CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School senior Michael Brooks was introduced to applause in first grade at Walker Elementary School when he played Reindeer No. 8 in a Christmas show.
A couple of weeks ago, the curtain fell on “Emma: A Pop Musical,” his eighth and final production at Crestview High, where he’s been in every spring and fall show since his freshman debut as Yost in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
We catch up with Michael as he prepares to graduate in two weeks.
What attracted you to the theatre?
When I was younger I loved being the center of attention. I love making everybody laugh. I have this theory that if you laugh, it makes you feel better. When everybody leaves a show, I want them leaving a show they enjoyed.
Tell us about that reindeer that started your theatre career.
In Walker, Mr. (Greg) Bledsoe actually did plays with the first-, third- and fifth-graders. Sure enough, in each of those plays I got a part. The first play I ever did was in first-grade. It was called “Elfis and the Sleigh Riders.” I played Reindeer No. 8. I enjoyed that so much. It goes back to wanting that attention.
Do you plan to continue in theatre?
Definitely. I plan to go to Northwest Florida State College and get my AA and still work in theatre and maybe try out for show choir. After I get my AA I intend to go to Central Florida and get my bachelors in musical theatre and a minor in computer sciences.
It’s hard to break into theatre. What if you don’t get any parts right after you graduate?
I’m prepared to get intermediate jobs because everybody knows the acting jobs don’t come all at once. I’m prepared to have some failures as I wait for that one big break. But when that comes, everything will be great.
What’s been your favorite role in Crestview High’s drama program?
Hands down, easily, no questions asked, it was Gomez Addams last year in “The Addams Family.” I had so much fun playing that character. He was so much like me. He was such a goofy guy. I related to him. He was the character I got most in touch with.
Have you ever had any disappointing castings?
I wouldn’t say disappointments, but sometimes when casting came out, I was at first disappointed with some of the roles I got, but when I put myself into it, I came to love the characters.
Like in “Happy Days,” when I got Myron Malachi, I was disappointed because I wanted to get the Fonz, but then I had so much fun with the character and got to work with Zach (Sticha, who played Myron’s brother, Jumpy).
I learned to get the most out of a character and have so much fun with them. And to trust the director.
What advice would you offer freshmen or underclassmen considering joining the drama program?
I would say don’t be afraid. From personal experience, I know a lot of them are afraid. They see it as, “these guys have been doing it for so long,” or “these guys are older than me and have experience, I won’t get a shot.”
When I auditioned for show choir freshman year, I didn’t think I’d get it at all. There were guys that had been there for three or four years. But if you don’t go out and try you never are going to know what the outcome will be.
What favorite show would you love to do?
It’ll never happen because of the complexity of it, plus it’s very expensive to do, but me and my friends would love to do “Beauty and the Beast.” That or “Book of Mormon,” because they are so much fun to watch. “Book of Mormon” is so funny, though it’s for a select crowd.
Have you ever had a chance to see Broadway shows in New York?
Once when I was little I went with my parents. But I’m doing a trip to New York City as a graduation present. Me and my girlfriend, (“Emma” co-star) Jordan Richardson, are going to check out a bunch of shows there. I can’t wait.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: For Crestview High School senior, the world's a stage (VIDEO)