Meet Michael Childs | Theater Director, Producer, Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Childs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
Put God first. Get up early.
Prioritize your time and schedule everything!
Be precise.
Stick to your word.
Dream big, think realistic.
Outwork everyone.
Hold yourself most accountable.
Keep strong mentors in your life.
Be kind.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My purpose is helping other artists find and fulfil their purpose. Whether that is guiding the actor towards clearer goals or polishing a singer’s vocal technique. This also includes creating opportunities for people. For example, the artists who worked on Into the Jungle with Dallas Future Fashion Designers all got paid to work in their craft, helping birth a brand new artistic concept. Beyond that as a casting director, my role is to keep people booked.

My unique history and experiences set me apart from others. Diversity is the rule and not the exception in my family. In a single portrait you will see every color represented. When you come from that background, and then wait tables, and work in salons, and attend multiple schools, you learn how to talk to everyone. You can relate and connect with virtually anyone. Plus, I think people gravitate towards my overall positivity.

There was not exactly a blueprint for how to create the fun balance that is my life and career. For me, it took others seeing in me what I didn’t see, for which I am forever grateful. From childhood others saw talent and potential, and pushed me out of comfort and into performance. That became the pattern. Once I became an adult, I had to learn to take the steps myself.

The challenges were many, especially once I took the chance and left my job as a stylist at a major salon to pursue the arts full time. Had to learn how to budget differently, how to negotiate contracts. Had to acquire new business skills and financial practices. As I learned I felt better, smarter. I was breaking generational cycles.

Through my process I have learned that you choose the life you want to live. If you want joy, choose joy. If you want love, love! If you want success, choose to be successful. Also, ask for help. If only I had embraced these lessons sooner in life.

Hopefully the love I leave in the earth outlives me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend visited DFW we would go shopping at the Allen Outlets, the Galleria and maybe hit a few smaller places like Buffalo Exchange. One entire day and would be devoted to Spa Castle. If you know, you know. We would definitely see a live performance of some sort, maybe the Entertainer’s Showcase at the Balcony Club, or we could catch a show at the Addison Improv, or a play or musical at any of the dozens of theater companies in DFW. They would be particularly interested in seeing anything presented by Dallas Black Dance Theatre. Of course, no visit would be complete without food! The first night I will cook as is tradition. Cooking for my people is an expression of my love for them. Probably BBQ Baked Chicken, mashed potatoes, baked mac & cheese, and greens. One night we would go to Shell Shack and tear up some king crab legs with the kitchen sink seasoning combo. We (I) also LOVE pizza! So one day we must order from Piggie Pies Pizza on Greenville. Beyond that our week would be filled with trips to the Dallas Museum of Art, chats in coffee shops, or tacos and margaritas at Velvet Taco. We would likely end our week in church at the Potter’s House for a refreshing time of worship. This will all happen in no particular order.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many people who have poured into my life. My parents were a huge support system for me. They both showered me with love and encouragement. They told me I do anything. My theater parents Paula Morelan, Mark Mullino, and Michael Serrecchia have each helped grow me up as a performer, a professional, and as a person. To my family, friends, and church family who always speak life to me, I am forever grateful. And to Monsieur Alexander, thank you for always believing in me, and for standing by my side.

Website: www.DallasFutureFashionDesigners.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_michael_childs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.d.childs

Image Credits
Photos by Digital ELW Photography Pearl Creative Consulting Rachel Dowl