Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Taber
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, my name is Michael Taber and I am an actor, writer, director, yogi, teacher and creator of Arts in Schools: ‘Creating a Play’ and ‘Tai Chi Dance Fusion’ & ‘Kid’s Quest for Shakespeare: An Immersive Theater Experience’. As a California native and graduate of San Diego State’s Theater B.A. program, I have had a passion for the arts since childhood. I began performing at age 7 in Children’s Theater and studied privately: Voice with Denise Dumeyer and Jan Ritschel, Dance at various studios including Center Stage and Jimmie DeFore. At age 11, I had the honor of being in the musical Falsettos at Cal State Fullerton as Jason, a role which mirrored trying middle school. Attending both OCHSA and APA, I thrived performing and choreographing during my high school years, culminating in performing ‘The Secret Garden’ at the Edinburgh Fringe. Throughout my high school and college years, I was actively choreographing, singing, and performing through both Civic Light Opera’s and University productions. I had the privilege of studying Shakespeare at BADA in Oxford, England; experiencing not only Shakespeare but also its history and culture. Post college, I began teaching theater to kids through International City Theatre’s PACT program and the afterschool program ‘First Position’ where I discovered the gift of inspiring youth in the arts. Alongside teaching I began acting in Film/TV and commercials and dancing with the modern company Oxford Street Dance. Training with The Groundlings, Howard Fine, Laurie & Diane Hull, Lainie Kazan, and Alice Carter. I produced and acted in the play, ‘Toyer’ by Gardner McKay, among others, as well as acting in numerous commercials and independent films.
Along the way my need for a deeper sense of peace and tranquility brought yoga and the wellness world to me. I studied the healing arts and certified 500 RYT in Ashtanga Yoga, Tai Chi with Chungliang Al Huang, Usui Reiki Master and Western Astrology with Dr. C. Rowin Gilmore. A creative and intuitive teacher at heart, I have had the pleasure of working with kids and adults for over ten years; beginning with ICT’s PACT program to private acting coaching and Yoga/Wellness at resorts in MT, SD and AZ. I have also produced, directed and written both film and theater pieces! Currently I am a Teaching Artist with Segerstrom Center for the Arts, an independent acting coach/director, yoga and tai chi teacher at festivals and volunteer with CoachArt. My passion and humor invokes the child and wonder of the storyteller in all those I work with. The greatest gift is inspiring others to recognize they have a voice and story to share! I am actively involved in both the healing and entertainment worlds. For more info on acting and teaching programs for your event/project or school check out: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3682463/ https://www.astrotaber.com/education-arts-in-schools
Thank you!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say the amount of no’s, rejections, delays and “almost bookings” have been the biggest bumps in the road. Learning how to keep persevering through the emotional rollercoaster of the unknown, while remembering the purpose of life is far greater than what the limited mind believes we can control. Humor has definitely been a savior in this feeling of discouragement and recognizing that creativity has no limit and no expiration date. Seasons come and go and yet those dearest to you remain true, which includes those gifts, talents, passions, inspirations, etc. that get you ticking. Like all human beings, we are not perfect and must be willing to face our greatest fears; our ‘hubris’ or ‘Achilles heel’ to overcome all obstacles set before us. Just look at the ancient classics and the lessons they taught through their tragedies and comedies. If we continue to live in the same patterns, then we stop growing and begin to stab our eyes out just like Oedipus did due to him not being willing to see the truth of his actions. To answer the question, it has been a beautiful journey of deep discovery and recognizing where the balance truly lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an actor, writer, director, yogi and teaching artist, where I go into schools and teach theater/script writing and tai chi dance/yoga to youth. Through these programs, students engage with creating characters, drawing, expressing, and collaborating to tell stories through the art of Theater and movement. In addition to this program, I am developing the interactive immersive theater experience ‘Kid’s Quest for Shakespeare’. It is a program to help youth and families experience Shakespeare in a fun paper art exploration way. “Kid’s Quest for Shakespeare”, takes the story of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and retells the story through two actors who use verse, paper, tape and creative art to bring the story to life. The audience participates in creating their own fairy-like characters, players, etc., out of paper to help the actors of the piece finish the ending of the play. Additionally, everyone adds to the cardboard paper art scenery of the magical forest and recites Puck’s magical ending verse. This program is great for schools and events/festivals and we are so looking forward to binging the magic of storytelling to your facility soon! Along with these programs, I am acting in film and theater and writing poetry, performance art pieces, plays and screenplays. I also teach yoga, tai chi, reiki, astrology and more at festivals and privately. My heart and joy for sharing and inspiring storytelling to others in an eclectic, humorous and innovative way makes me a one of a kind individual.
What does success mean to you?
According to the Tao, success is beyond defining. In going with this, I would say success is in recognizing and celebrating the trust of letting go of the need to control any outcome. Set the stage of your story, stay positive in believing in your dreams and aspirations and most importantly find joy in the moment. Acting truly teaches how to be mindful, observant and present within and without, just like meditation. It takes great endurance and a lifetime of mastery but if practiced daily it is beyond rewarding in the most unexpected ways. It is an ever-changing living art. True success is honoring the imperfections and using them as your canvas to fully embody the character and paint life’s authentic story. Relationship is key! When you recognize the people whose stories have touched your own journey and you theirs, there lies the true success of living and creating art. Keep finding the play within the play!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.astrotaber.com/education-arts-in-schools
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.r.taber/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3682463/
Image Credits
Bruce Hershey: Main Photo Credit
Maria Taber: Tai Chi and Paper Art Photos
Chris Emerick: Full Body Laughing Photo Credit
