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

Michael, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I started working as an actor when I was a child. I think I got my first professional job when I was about eight years old. And the thing that has been the most important thing to me this entire time is study! I am constantly studying. Still, all these years later, I go to class. I’m in two scene study classes right now. Learning never ends. I want to constantly be growing, changing, evolving, learning. I want to understand more and more. This is what I tell every young actor I meet. And study doesn’t just mean class. It means reading plays, going to the theatre, watching movies, reading actor biographies, listening to other actors and writers and directors and producers. Analyze. You have a favorite TV show? Why is it your favorite? What about it makes is special or inspiring to you? Ask yourself questions. I’m also a big fan of journal writing. Years ago, I did The Artists Way, and, if you’ve read it, you know about Morning Pages. I learn so much about myself when I journal. And learning about myself makes me a better actor.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Even though I am the only one in my family to pursue a career in the arts, I think I was born with the desire. It was in my DNA. I knew it from as far back as I could remember, that I wanted… needed… to be an actor. Don’t know where it came from. The desire has been so strong my entire life, I never even considered doing anything else. None of it has been easy, but there’s some inner strength that somehow I’m able to access, and persevere. I had a very supportive mother, that was a big thing. She saw how much I wanted it, so she paid for acting classes, dance class, voice lessons, piano, guitar, etc. Then I went to school as a voice major, and studied music theory. I started auditioning. I did tons of theatre.
I grew up in New York City, which was a huge benefit, I think. They had revival movie theaters back then, so I would go all the time to see old movies. What an education that was. My mother would take me to see plays and musicals. First thing I saw on Broadway was a show by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill called “Sugar,” starring Tony Roberts, Robert Morse and Elaine Joyce. I saw “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” starring Clifton Davis and the man who would become a huge inspiration for me, Raul Julia. I saw the original “Chicago,” with Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. You gain so much by watching amazing performers, and there were so many of them back then. I think I saw Raul Julia in “Nine” about sixteen times, he was so charismatic and compelling.
Later on, I began writing. The great thing now is that if there is no work out there, you can create work for yourself. I wrote a sitcom called “Child of the ’70s,” found funding, and ended up doing five seasons, and selling it to Amazon Prime. I’m very proud of that.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I’ve traveled throughout the world, and the amazing thing is, many countries support and subsidize artists and the arts. Since we don’t do that in the United States, it is important that we do it for ourselves. Meet people, network, and then support your fellow artists. Go see their shows, buy their albums, donate to their projects if you can. This is how you build relationships, and these are the people who will, in turn, support you!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal, beyond being “successful,” which is different for everyone… in fact, success is different for me now than it was when I was in my twenties… the goal is always to learn more about myself, to live a life filled with exploration and joy, and to always choose happiness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/MichaelVaccaro
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-ABBmYG5PSdwAydSLOo82w
• TikTok: @michaelvaccaroofficial

Image Credits
Photos by Jim Wilkinson, John Pascha and Thomas Rihs.