On the Couch with Steve Danielsen

Steve Danielsen_Michael Priestley Photography oncWho is Steve Danielsen?
I’m a music theatre junkie, who loves Film and Television. I love to drive my track car – am addicted to V8 Super Cars and most forms of motorsport, I love the beach and surfing, and if I can get to the mountain I love to snowboard as well. Love heading out for a breaky with a good coffee and my family and friends are everything.

What would you do differently to what you do now?
That’s easy – be a professional race car driver.

Who inspires you and why?
Hugh Jackman – he is an incredible performer, who can go from Music Theatre, to Film and Television. I would love to be able to transition between the two genres. Not only is he an amazing actor, he is a great bloke as well.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Do more for mental health issues in Australia, and try to make sure every child grows up with a family, and educate people on nutrition and the power of healthy eating.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
That’s a tough question – I love my own country, and I love the beach, so as I write this I’m currently in Byron Bay, and it’s one of my favourite places in the world to chill and surf, eat good food and relax at the beach hotel. Internationally – I gotta say New York City!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well assuming they’d been to Melbourne city before and know of our amazing cafés and coffee! I would take them down to Phillip Island or down to the Peninsula Hot Springs. The Island is where I surf and has the Penguin Parade, and the Hot Springs is an amazing mineral spring with different pools and a day spa. It’s super relaxing AND good for you!

What are you currently reading?
Catching up on some James Patterson books – some Michael Bennett NYC Cop fiction HAHA! AND of course my monthly Motor and Top Gear Magazines.

What are you currently listening to?
Been listening to Marc Broussard and some Allen Stone – and like most Music Theatre junkies, been listening to show tunes, and enjoying some Kooman and Dimond.

Happiness is?
My idea of happiness is – a close and loving family, and having my mates around me, being successful in my chosen career and continue to be successful and to one day bring up a family.

What does the future hold for you?
With continued hard work, I hope to have more success in Music Theatre, and also work in Film and Television. Race my car more, and buy a house!!

Steve Danielsen trained at Monash University until 2004 when he began his career as a screen actor. His film and television credits include Queen Of The Damned, The Hard Word, Offspring, Tangle, City Homicide, Bogan Pride, Neighbours, The Wedge, Marshall Law, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Saddle Club, and most recently appearing in The Dr Blake Mysteries and the independent feature film The Flame Wars.

Steve has trained extensively in voice with Tim Smith, in New York with Neil Semer and at Broadway Dance Centre. He has also completed further dance training at The Space and City Dance Centre in Melbourne. He recently completed the Australian tour of Legally Blonde the Musical (2012-13), where he appeared in the role of Pfortzheimer and understudied the roles of Warner and Kyle the UPS guy, which he performed numerous times.

Other theatre credits include Xanadu The Musical understudying the lead role of Sonny Malone. He toured with Echelon Productions in Totally Amazing and appeared in The Crucible as Gyles Corey (Monash University) as well as Among the Gum and Its All Good Fun (Wax Acts Theatre Company).

Steve will be starring as Fiyero in the upcoming season of Wicked at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from 7 May 2014. For more information, visit: www.wickedtheamusical.com.au for details.

Image: Steve Danielsen – by Michael Priestley Photography