Who is Michael James Scott?
A theatre nerd from Orlando, Florida who just wanted to sing and dance with the dream of being on a Broadway stage. A man who loves to love and laugh, who tries to not take life too seriously and to embrace the challenges to use as growth in learning. And speaking of learning… someone who doesn’t want to ever stop learning.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I believe the biggest thing I would differently is to not overthink things. I tend to overthink which doesn’t help a situation and I’ve learned over and over again that the minute I go with my gut it all makes sense. Trusting in my heart and not doubting how I truly feel about something. I continue to use that tool in doing things differently for myself.
Who inspires you and why?
I am inspired by so many people and places and things. People who are trailblazers and really stand up for what they believe in is a big inspiration for me. These people aren’t controlled by fear and that’s a huge inspiration. As an artist we are constantly fighting for things and when you aren’t controlled by fear you can allow yourself to really stand in your truth. That combination of self and artist is a big inspiration.
I’m inspired by my parents who made ultimate sacrifices for my brother and me growing up and tried to give us the opportunities they didn’t have. Places like France inspire me just at the sheer beauty of it. I had the same feeling when I got to see some of the sites in Australia, the beauty was so powerful it forces you to look at things differently. Music is also a big inspiration for me. What it can do to a person and how it can make them feel is inspiring to me.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’ve always had little earth angels around me who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself and a lot of those people have really invested in my being an actor ever since I was a little boy. From offering free dance classes or voice lessons or literally picking me up from school to take me to classes just because they wanted to make sure I was getting arts opportunities, this is something that has made a major impact and difference in my life. For me giving back by teaching is a big thing and the difference that it can make in a child’s life is something that can make a major difference in the world. I believe that arts does that and for me making arts available to EVERY child for free would be my mission.
Favorite holiday destination and why?
I absolutely LOVE the Holidays and how it makes people feel. There’s so much love in the air and so much family time. Christmas has always been an incredibly amazing time I’ve loved since I was little. My favorite destination though would have to be Disney world at Christmas time. There’s no place like it and the smiles on people’s faces makes it all the best.
When a friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The first thing I like to do when a friend comes to town is take them to amazing local restaurants. It’s the quickest way to show them what the feeling of the city can be and with that the exchange of love and conversation over an amazing meal is an incredible attraction in itself. To me it’s the ultimate city welcome.
What are you currently reading?
I got engaged almost a year ago which of course was a very exciting time. So all I’ve been reading is wedding books. I have so many of them and love to find out the best things in each one. I’m also obsessed with gossip magazines which there’s always several on hand to view!
What are you currently listening to?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE listening to music and am always downloading new music. I love making my own playlists so right now it’s a playlist of Adele, Beyonce, Sara Bareilles, Kirk Franklin, John Legend, Train, India Arie, James Taylor and John Lennon. I love to switch it up all the time and change the feel of the playlist.
Happiness is?
For me happiness is so many things. Seeing someone smile while i’m on stage. Seeing a young artist have a break through with a song or in a dance class. Laughing and just being able to be myself with with my family and friends and the ultimate just plain sitting on the couch with my Fiancé and my Frenchie.
What does the future hold for you?
I know the future holds a wedding, which I am insanely excited about – Finally marrying my partner of 8 years in front of family and friends. I’ve learned to not try and plan what the future will hold as especially being an actor it’s the biggest unknown but what I would like the future to hold is more exciting work and continuing to build the life my partner and I have been building. Aside from all that, who knows, but I am really excited to see it!
Michael stars as the Genie in Aladdin – currently playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne – new tickets are on sale today! Just announced – Brisbane and Perth seasons in 2018 – join the waitlist now! For more information, visit, www.aladdinthemusical.com.au for details.
Image: Michael James Scott (supplied)