Meet Michael D. Jablonski | Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre, Brenau University, Professional Director/Choreographer/Actor

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

Hi Michael D., what do you attribute your success to?
As a professional musical theatre artist, your work ethic is where your brand begins. I have always followed one major mantra that I believe helped to elevate my career on a consistent basis, that was to continuously be impeccable to my word. That sounds very simple but your word is not just spoken, your word is how you walk through life. This simple mantra can help to maintain a level of positivity in your work. As a professional actor, you are not only working on the current project, but that work ethic you bring into that space will invite you back time and time again. I always say, “Be the person in the room that everyone wants to work with again!” Living up to that statement will create a vast network of connections that will help to create the longevity of a career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a musical theatre artist and educator. I had a 20 year career as an actor on Broadway, National Tours, and Regional theatre. I have performed in 50 states and 20 counties throughout that career. Today, I strive to bring my extensive experience as a professional performer and share it with every single one of my students in the hope that it will help them elevate their journey into the professional market. I have taught at Elon University, Florida State University and now I am at Brenau University cultivating a high level of work as the Program Coordinator of the BFA Music Theatre program. It is rare that people get to find their dream through the career path they choose, but I feel so lucky because not only did I fulfill my dreams as a professional actor, but now I am finding that same euphoric high I had on a Broadway stage, but instead this time it is found in the success of my students. I only succeed as an educator when they succeed. I go back to my original statement of being impeccable to your word. This is carried through with my students, maintaining a high level of honesty in the work helps each student to find their success with positivity and creative growth.

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.
This is a tough question to answer because I tend to immerse myself in my work. But, if I had friends and family visiting, I do love to go to Pigtails because it has a great view of the water. I also enjoy craft brews, so an afternoon of hopping to different breweries such as Liquid Nation or Braselton Brew Company. Next to Braselton Brew Company, I love the Cotton Calf Kitchen and Local Station eateries. I also do enjoy a solid trip to the outlet mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are many people in my life that have shaped me into the person and artist I am today. My family and wife, Kim Sava have given me infinite support throughout my professional journey. I have two mentors, Lynne Kurdziel-Formato and Jessica Phelps-West. Lynne has mentored me throughout my entire career since my undergraduate days, and she guided me into my current profession as an educator in higher education. Jessica was the head of my graduate directing program and she molded me into the storyteller I am as a director and choreographer today.

Website: https://www.michaeldjablonski.com

Instagram: @michaeldjablonski

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-d-jablonski/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDjablonski

Image Credits
AJ Reynolds Charr Crail