Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael MacLeod.
Hi Michael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been fortunate enough to travel to many different places and talk with some truly inspirational and insightful people over the years. Maybe it was this that drew me to an industry that specializes in understanding people and how we can all relate to one another.
Growing up, I loved acting in school plays and was ecstatic when I landed my first lead, at six years old, as “Thomas Gardner.” I could say that I was fascinated with human nature at that age, but that would be a blatant lie. I was six. I was allowed to wear a fake beard and talk a lot without interruption. It was amazing.
After that, we performed a school play every other year and I became more and more invested in the characters I was portraying. At 16, my uncle asked me what I wanted to do as a career. The answer was clear in my mind, and I responded “I want to be an actor.” Understandably, this was a shock as I wasn’t doing all that much acting.
Nonetheless, saying the words aloud sparked action, and I have never been one to sit still for long. Over the next two years, I was accepted into the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, earned academic qualifications in theatre, booked major roles in both theatre and film, and was gradually getting better and better at my craft. I was certain that this was something I wanted to be further involved with.
With everything I learnt at home, at 18, I had a chance to gain even more insight further afield and I jumped at it. I was accepted into USC’s BFA Acting Programme and moved to Los Angeles in 2019.
This is the next chapter of my story, and as I meet new people, work on new projects, and go to new places; I am discovering how I can help others to create pieces of art they are proud to present to the world. Whether this be as an Actor, a Writer, or a Producer, I am striving to make art that helps the world learn more about itself and the wonderful people in it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyone has hurdles that they have to overcome, but my road has been smoother than most. I was lucky to have supportive family and grow up around a major city (London) with so many amazing people and opportunities.
I try not to dwell on the “struggles” because everything that has ever happened to me has contributed to where I am today. There are always going to be problems, however the choice is yours as to whether or not you let them consume you. In this industry, you face rejection on a daily basis and learning to cope and adapt to different pressures is a rite of passage that I have come to (almost) enjoy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in Acting, with my most notable performances including “The Wardrobe” at the Edinburgh Fringe and the role of “Sami” in a BBC: Mediatrust short film. My last performance was in “The Comedy of Errors” with the University of Southern California, where I played “Antipholus of Syracuse.” I think this is one of the roles I am most proud of, as I had some serious personal struggles during rehearsals and the run itself. At the end of the day, I was able to walk away feeling that I had done everything possible to make that show the best it could be.
I also have experience in Writing, having been shortlisted for the National Youth Theatre’s James Graham writing competition in 2020. I am currently developing a new p[ay in London and several short films to be produced in Los Angeles. I also performed an original piece, “No Connection”, with BurntOrange Theatre, and intend on becoming even more comfortable performing in original pieces.
Lastly, I have recently founded a new production company, called “Correspondent Productions.” We specialize in producing content for stage and screen that encourages new perspectives and fosters a kind, supportive, and curious community. The principal way we seek to achieve this is through working with international artists and fulfilling their needs in order to see the work up on its feet. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if this interests you, as the company is still in its early stages and we need to hear from new artists!!!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I am definitely still learning how to do this, but I would advise my younger self to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Whilst it is certainly important to set goals for yourself, if you are constantly chasing the “next big thing”, you will never enjoy the present moment and how far you’ve come. Experiment with new and exciting things as often as possible and trust that living life to the full is a vital part of your commitment to being an artist and not a distraction from the art itself.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://michael-macleod.co.uk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael1429
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlGzTPANIj-UoMIzTgUTJw
