Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Sarcinelli.
Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in Buffalo, NY. I have always been an entertainer at heart, making people laugh was and always has been something that brings me joy. If it can put a smile on someone’s face, I’ll do it. When I was younger, I used to put on shows for my neighbors. They usually were not good as it was myself and a bunch of toddlers doing dance routines but I loved it. I then advanced to doing stunts while my cousin Nick operated the camera and then made my way to performing “Summer Lovin” from the movie Grease in my backyard at a party with my cousin Nicole. I had a T-Bird jacket, slicked hair and everything. All I know is that I rocked as a Young Travolta. It was then that I started to pursue the dream of making myself an entertainer. Years down the line, I decided to fully commit to this idea that I can be and make myself an entertainer. It became a dream, and that dream has become my reality. After moving to Los Angeles, I was hired as a nightlife host taking people to clubs and showing them a good night out. I gave that position my all and showed up every weekend ready to entertain the tourists hitting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today and years later, I’ve worked as an actor on several productions with people I used to watch on TV and became the Director of Operations for the entertainment company I used to host for. My story is far from over, but it’s a heartwarming feeling to look back at the progress I’ve made since decided to follow my dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A smooth road… absolutely not. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I lived in a small apartment with five other people, the “one room shack” I called it. They were on bunkbeds in the living room and I was tucked in the corner of the bedroom. You had to go through the bedroom to get into the bathroom, that was not an ideal situation. But little did I know that a year later, I would have loved a corner bedroom spot as I found myself living in a luxury estate. By luxury estate, I mean my 2014 Chevy Cruze. My backseat was my bedroom, front passenger I referred to as my living room. Now that I think back on it, it was kind of spacious and after waking up with knots in my neck for three months or so… I started to be grateful that I have a car, that car allowed me to continue to pursue my dream. A few years following that, my father was diagnosed with cancer and eventually lost that battle. That put me in a spot where I didn’t know if I wanted to pursue my dreams anymore, I was broken. But in the time that followed, I found that the hard times made me the strongest version of myself I’ve ever known. I have the scars from the pain, but what is it all worth if it’s painless? Chasing your dreams isn’t supposed to be easy or else everyone would do it. Challenges arise all of the time but I see my life in the future, and that’s a life worth fighting for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an Actor / Producer / Director of Operations. I have been training/working as an actor for roughly ten years. I have studied in New York, Los Angeles, Boston and in the future, I would like to train in London. What I am most proud of is my recent film production, Worth Fighting For. I wrote and produced that project loosely based off my experience with losing my father and about a month ago, I watched it in theaters in New York. My dad’s name was on the big screen, and as the first person to actually believe in me and tell me that I could do it… it felt right.
As for the Director of Operations… I organize nightlife events throughout the United States. I work with 500+ bars and nightclubs in California, Arizona, Colorado and Massachusetts. I found a burning passion for organizing events. Watching the event go from an idea to marketing to execution and then seeing everyone on event day having a blast… is an amazing feeling.
What sets me apart from others is that I don’t give up. It sounds cliche but it’s true. I have had moments of weakness where I think for a little… “you should be home with your family” “is this right?” “are you chasing a fairy tale?” but then I slap some sense back into myself. I will never stop pursuing the life I know exists for me. I will build it brick by brick.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My only advice would be to carry yourself with confidence. Do not be afraid to get out there, shake hands and tell your story. When starting off, do not think any job is too small or not worth it. Obviously, don’t sacrifice morals along the way, but get your hands dirty. Meet people. Help people find their passions and success, but don’t do it expecting reward in return. Just be there for your fellow creatives. Lend a hand. What has worked well for me is that I like to help people achieve their goals. I get joy out of helping someone succeed or playing a role in their success. Do not forget to clap for other people. There is enough success out there for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mikesarcinelli.com
- Instagram: @mikesarc
- Twitter: @mikesarc
Image Credits
Headliner Studios, Max Milano Photography
