Conversations with Megan Holeman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Holeman.

Hi Megan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a dancer currently located in Los Angeles, CA. I graduated from The American Musical & Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in June of 2022. Since graduating, I have been training, auditioning, and performing throughout the LA area. I recently booked my first theatrical contract with Panic! Productions in their upcoming production of FOOTLOOSE, co-directed by Barry Pearl and Michelle Elkin, with choreography by Michelle Elkin. I’m ecstatic to be making my theatrical debut as part of FOOTLOOSE’s epic ensemble! I am also a member of Lume Dance Collective, directed by Monika Felice Smith and MaryAnn Chavez.

I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received since moving to LA to become a professional dancer. I’m grateful for the connections and relationships I’ve built with people through such opportunities! I firmly believe that those connections and relationships are how I got started and what got me to where I am today. The dance community in LA is diverse and dynamic. It allows every individual to be seen in one way or another. I’m grateful for those individuals within the dance community who “saw” me and helped guide me to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think all performers would agree that this work – this lifestyle -is not a smooth road. Though I am relatively new to the professional scene, I can already tell that our lifestyle is one made up of ebbs and flows, highs and lows. It’s not consistent, but I think that’s what makes it most exciting. Frustrating, yes. But also exciting!

One thing I’ve struggled with more recently is the unknown when it comes to auditioning. It’s challenging when you pour endless energy into an audition / potential gig but then “get the boot” and are left to wonder why. We’re told over and over again by teachers and mentors that this is part of the lifestyle, that it’s something we have to get accustomed to, and that it could be due to any reason: not fitting a costume, height, etc.! But it’s still challenging to go through. Especially when you get to the final round of an audition, feel great about how it went, and want to believe there’s no way you didn’t get the job … only to never be contacted. Every artist goes through this. So I know I’m not alone. And I know that it will get easier the more I experience it. But, for now, I still spend days questioning what might’ve gone wrong, struggling to let it go and understand that the why (reason I wasn’t cast) isn’t always my problem.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in dance performance and creation. I am trained in a myriad of styles: contemporary, musical theatre, jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, heels, and more. I began studying musical theatre movement, as well as vocal and acting techniques when I began my journey at AMDA. Since then, musical theatre has become my primary focus as a performing artist. My goal is to work for a National Tour or Broadway production as an ensemble performer. I’ve always been drawn to the stage and choreography in shows such as Wicked (Wayne Cilento), Hamilton (Andy Blankenbuehler), West Side Story 2019 Revival (Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker), and more. Seeing these individuals’ work performed by incredible artists was nothing short of inspiring. It’s a demonstration of talent, grit, and unparalleled storytelling. And I’m eager to be a part of it!

Aside from my focus on musical theatre, I also train in contemporary and commercial dance styles. As mentioned earlier, I am a part of Lume Dance Collective, directed by Monika Felice Smith and MaryAnn Chavez. As a member of Lume, I participate in monthly visuals that incorporate contemporary and commercial movements. Being a part of Lume gives me the opportunity to explore my own diversity as a mover while also giving me incredible on-set experience with professional choreographers!

As a creator, I believe I’m most known for / characterized by my commitment to narrative – to characters, emotions, and relationships. My most recent creative project was in January. I set a duet in the style of contemporary dance on two individuals. The piece was an exploration of climate change. It was an investigation into the relationship between those who advocate for climate change and those who aren’t willing to put in any effort towards it. This project resulted in a one-shot visual. The project was less about the outcome – but more about the process of jumping back into a creative flow. It was the first project I embarked on since June of 2021, when I choreographed – for stage -a trio in the style of contemporary / pedestrian movement. This piece (“Train of Thought”), which is published on my personal website ( www.meganholeman.com ), was an exploration of strangers riding the same train and how their thoughts might intertwine. I believe that narrative is an invaluable component to dance performance and creation, whether that be through musical theatre or contemporary / commercial visuals. I’m proud of my commitment to telling a story throughout my work as a performer and creator!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice would be to enjoy each step. It’s important to set goals for yourself and look toward the future. But you also have to take a moment to appreciate where you are now. When it comes to a career in professional dance, this can sometimes be more challenging. We always think about the next gig we’ll book or the next people we’ll work with. But, we also have to stop and appreciate what happens “between” or “before” those big moments: the hours spent at the studio, the classes taken and sweat poured, and all the “no’s”. Everything in life is a process. And, if we don’t enjoy the process then we’ll never feel truly fulfilled. I wish I knew this and committed to it – truly committed to it – a long time ago. It would’ve made each step leading up to this moment of time – this stage in my life – all the more sweeter … all the more satisfying and fulfilling. Going forward, I’m committing to appreciating where I am in my present state, and I encourage you do so as well!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meganholeman.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_meganholeman/

Image Credits
Jon Taylor, Jess Alba, Lindsay Rosenberg