Meet Michael Stiggers | Actor

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

Hi Michael, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised in West Point, Georgia which is right on the Alabama line. I grew up in the church as my father was a pastor and my mother was the choir director. My entire family sings gospel music so my love and ear for music started at a very young age. Once I made it to high school, I started to combine structure to those natural musical abilities by being involved with Drama and show choir. I was in the 10th grade when I discovered what Broadway actually was and from that moment on, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. You might be thinking ‘Ok…who doesn’t know what Broadway is?’. There were not a whole lot of opportunities to be an actor where Im from. There was no one I could turn to for mentorship or anywhere nearby I could see myself represented onstage. Watching TV shows like ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ and ‘All That’ was what inspired me the most. I had no idea where to start but I had a burning desire. One experience after another, I began to seek out opportunity to do more of it.

I enrolled at Columbus State University where I continued to learn about theatre and develop my skills. Soon after graduating, I started to work frequently in musical theatre in the Atlanta area and regionally. All of a sudden, I realize that I am actually a professional actor…I’m still broke, but WOW, I’M DOING IT! Over the span of the next 5 years, I continued to grow as an artists working at HersheyPark in Pennsylvania and internationally with Royal Carribean Cruiselines. There were lots of challenges over those years but through all the highs and lows, I just kept thinking about the next level.

In 2016, I made the move to New York City with only about 1500 bucks to my name. Within 6 months, I was making my Broadway debut in Beautiful the Carole King musical. A dream finally realized. Soon after that show closed in 2019, I got the call from a show I had first auditioned for 10 years earlier; Disney’s The Lion King, one of the biggest Broadway musicals of all time. I performed with The Lion King for almost 3 years while also becoming a Voice Over Artist and finding TV and commercials opportunities.

In 2022, my wife, Maggie and I decided it was time for a fresh start in a new market. We moved to Atlanta and within a year, we’ve both been able to pursue more TV, film, and theatre than ever before. Just a month ago, I stepped into my most important role yet becoming a new dad. As the son of a pastor, a lot of people expected I would be in ministry. But in many ways, I truly feel storytelling has been my ministry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the most refreshing things that I’ve discovered on this journey is that you can really do it all. I’m super blessed that I get to do this; to be an artist and to have this be the thing that has sustained me over the past decade. For me, its all about not being confined to one thing and not letting anyone put me in a box. Over the years, I’ve built multiple options for myself within the industry and I’m always looking for the next challenge. I studied to be a teacher and became a musical theatre performer. I started to get into on-camera work in New York and transitioned to commercials & short films while I was doing 8 shows a week on Broadway. I also became a Voice Over artist doing national campaigns and TV promos for Nickelodeon and other big brands. I’m beginning to venture into the world of producing with my wife. I’m a chameleon and I love being the guy that no one saw coming. Just about every turn I’ve made in my career has been doubted or underestimated by someone and that turns me on. It’s one of the reasons we recently left New York; YES, opportunities are still there, we had job security and things were going great but I know the value in betting on yourself, starting fresh and making moves based on faith and not fear. Put me in the room and I’ll figure it out.

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.
Atlanta has really changed over the last 8 years! I’m a country boy so it’s all about being in green spaces and getting some good food and I love that Atlanta has plenty of that. It’s pretty much a city inside a forest. I’d say start in midtown with a brunch spot. Murphy’s in Virginia Highlands is 10/10! The Botanical gardens are absolutely stunning and definitely one of my favorite spots. For some awesome tex mex or Bar B Que, hit up Little Rey and Fat Matt’s. Then head to the roof of the Clermont Hotel for some drinks and a nice view of the city. Also, See some theatre every chance you get in this town. Amazing things are being produced year round with phenomenal talent.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m truly a product of my community. My journey has been a faith walk and the courage and willingness to step out into my dreams has always been encouraged by family. My father would always remind me that “your gifts will always make room for you”. Every performance experience I’ve had has led me into the next one with more and more confidence and knowledge. So there are a lot of people out there that I consider my tribe who I credit for making me a better artists. A great deal of my success doesn’t happen without my wife Maggie. Not only is she presently the glue that holds our family together, but she was really one of the first people who challenged me to get out my comfort zone and be intentional and take control of my career. I was working in a shoe store in Columbus, Georgia when we met and after doing a show together, she told me to ‘Think Bigger’ and get to New York. That day changed my whole trajectory and I figured I better stick with this girl. Good thing I married her.

Website: michaelstiggers.com

Instagram: @yungstiggy

Image Credits
Justin Patterson (green shirt, black leather jacket, pink sweater) Anthony Chatmon (white sweater) Anthony Crouchelli (Black & white)