Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mikaela Holmes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mikaela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Performing has been a passion of mine since childhood. I was incredibly shy as a kid, but that quickly changed when I discovered my love for singing, acting, and dancing. The stage became a second home where I felt comfortable and free to express myself, explore my interests and individuality, learn to work as a team, and build my confidence. I have an endless amount of gratitude for my parents and many teachers, family members, friends, and mentors who encouraged and supported me along the way. Everyone always asks children what they want to be when they grow up, and those answers often change with time. Mine did not! Although this industry is certainly not easy and comes with a plethora of roadblocks, rejection, and adversity, I feel incredibly lucky to have made what was once just a wide-eyed dream into my life and career as an adult. I have found so much artistic and personal fulfillment through musical theater in particular. Many productions I have been a part of have truly gotten me through some of the most difficult times of my life, offering not just a creative outlet, but an emotional one, as well. The arts are healing for so many, myself included. I have yet to find any experience quite as uniquely cathartic as this; It is difficult to even put it into words. Although the nature of theater itself is fleeting, that is part of the beauty of it, and what makes the everlasting memories and connections (with fellow actors, audience members, characters, and storylines alike) so very special.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am originally from upstate New York, but have traveled quite a bit around the country and globe primarily as a musical theater performer. I lived and worked in Los Angeles and San Diego for quite some time, and am currently living in Atlanta. Previous theatrical credits include “West Side Story” (Maria), “RENT” (Mimi), “Beauty and the Beast” (Belle), “Murder Ballad” (Sara), “Into the Woods” (Cinderella), “Grease” (Sandy). “Legally Blonde” (Serena), “High School Musical” (Gabriella) “tick, tick…BOOM!” (Susan), and “Aida” (Amneris), to name a few. A favorite experience was touring Europe as a soprano in Luxembourg, France, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

I have greatly enjoyed directing, choreographing, and teaching children and teens in youth theater, music, and dance across the country, as well. I have worked with so many kids who remind me of myself when I was young, and it is truly a beautiful and incomparable experience to observe their growth as performers and people. To watch them come out of their shells, not be afraid to look silly or make mistakes, find and use their voices, and gain so many life skills through the arts is so very special and a joy to witness.

In addition to musical theater, I have film, television, commercial, music video, and modeling experience.

I am also a certified Yoga Teacher (E-200 RYT) and Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT). One of the teachings that greatly resonated with me during my training was Shanti Shakti – a Sanskrit term for “Peaceful Power.” Through my trainings, home practice, journal writing, and other various forms of self-discovery (including musical theater!), I was able to regain and strengthen my own peaceful power. It became a goal and passion of mine to help others do the same. I have had some amazing experiences working with children with various physical/motor skill special needs, kids and adults dealing with and learning to cope with trauma and mental health issues, survivors of domestic violence and abuse, yoga as rehabilitation, self-help/reflection/healing, and much more. I often incorporate music, breath work, and other techniques that I learned from my various music, dance, and theater teachers into my yoga teaching/therapy.

I believe that my knowledge and training in theater has greatly helped me become a better yoga teacher/therapist, and vice versa as a performer and theater teacher.

I feel the same way about theater as I do about yoga – Both are for everyone. Everybody and every BODY. All ages, sizes, genders, experience levels, backgrounds, etc. should be welcomed with open arms into both communities. I strive to always be someone who includes and encourages, in a world where so many exclude and discourage.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

If there is one thing I think you really have to have in this industry, it’s thick skin. I could share so many stories of times I have been told I am not good enough, been rejected, told I am not talented, not pretty enough, not thin enough, the list goes on and on. I believe my entire journey as an artist illustrates my resilience. The fact that I have kept going despite every “no,” or feeling like I am “behind” some of my friends in the same industry. (Newsflash – There is no “behind!” We are all on our own unique journey!) There have been numerous times where I have curled up in a ball crying and wanting to give up. But here I am – still doing it. Still pursuing it. And beyond that – There was a time when I was afraid to fully use my voice. I no longer feel that way. There is a great deal of toxicity and problematic behavior in this industry, unfortunately and primarily from many of the straight cis white men in leadership positions who use and abuse their status and power in inappropriate ways. I am no longer quiet when I experience or witness this behavior. It is unacceptable, and something that needs to change in our industry. (And every industry.) I am proud that my voice is now at full volume, despite people trying to silence me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of my acting teachers once said “Someone in the audience has the same story, and they need you to tell the honest truth so they can heal.” I thought this was so beautiful, and I think about it every single time I step foot on stage. I know a lot of actors don’t particularly enjoy meet and greets or talkbacks with the audience after a show and just want to go home (I get it, we are exhausted!) – but it is one of my favorite parts! I have had so many incredible encounters with audience members after performances where people have shared such intimate stories about their own lives and how the show or role I played personally resonated with them. I have shared hugs, tears, laughter, and heartfelt moments with individuals who start as strangers but suddenly feel like old friends. I have personally been an audience member at many performances that have touched my heart and greatly effected me, so I very much understand and relate. I don’t think anything is more rewarding than to have someone trust you with their own story, reach out to hold your hand with tears of gratitude in their eyes, or express how therapeutic watching the show was or even just one song. I have received letters and emails from audience members that I will save forever because that is how meaningful those interactions are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.MikaelaRuthHolmes.com
• Instagram: MikaelaRuthHolmes
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/mikaelaholmes