Hello Beautiful People,
MiG Ayesa was first introduced to you all in our Music Magic Series, and we’re honored and elated that he has also participated in an exclusive interview for our Actors & Actresses Q&A Series as well!
TWT: What was the most memorable part of playing Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages?
MA: Playing Stacee was a highlight in every way, but there were a couple of moments that top the list. The first was on the US Tour, when we were playing the PANTAGES THEATRE in Los Angeles, a certain actor and his wife decided to come to see the show, and they had a very specific interest in seeing me. Tom Cruise’s first day of rehearsal as Stacee Jaxx in the ROCK OF AGES movie ended with him taking Katie Holmes to see us and meet with me after the show. I even managed to include him in the show somehow. It was a huge thrill and a great honor that he came out to see the show and see ME! Then of course comes the other top part of playing Stacee, was my opening night on Broadway. A dream come true. Not much can come close to that feeling of accomplishment.
TWT: If you could play any role, what would it be?
MA: I would love to one-day play Jean Valjean in LES MISERABLES. Or Spider-Man would be super fun too. Always wanted to fly!
TWT: If you were not an actor and a singer, what career do you think you would have? Do you think that music and theatre would still be a significant part of your life, even if your profession were different?
MA: I often think what would I be if not a performer. I do love the creative side on the other side of the curtain/screen like post-production work, editing, score composing and the like, but I’ve also always wanted to be a pilot and think that in another lifetime, I’d be an airline pilot…or an architect…or a designer…I envy cats and their nine lives! But I know no matter what I would be, music would ALWAYS be a huge part of my life. Art, music, creativity is what separates us from animals, and what lifts us from our weary mortal existence. I cannot imagine a life without it.
TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school and college who are looking to pursue a career in theatre?
MA: Don’t!! Unless you really, really love it for the craft. If you are willing to do it without needing to be paid, then I will encourage them to pursue it. It is such an unstable life. The highs are so high, but the lows can be devastating. You will face rejection on a daily basis and be criticized for things beyond your control. You have to grow a thick skin, or you will drown. Yet, the rewards can be magical and the variety of life is intoxicating. It is by no means an easy road but a very colorful and mostly delightful journey. As long as you have an impenetrable faith in your own abilities, then you have a chance of breaking through the obstacles that lie in your path.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs in schools are being cut. What reasons would you give a politician for preserving the arts?
MA: Arts are not only an essential part of the human existence but also a wonderful tool to train the brain in many ways. Ways beyond the mere art at hand, but to exercise the imagination and ignite neurons that only working on arts can stimulate. Art is beauty, and without beauty, life is a meaningless pursuit.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
MA: My mother. She taught me what it meant to love, what it meant to fight and to know the time when to choose to do either. She teaches me every day what it means to be a good person. I hope to be half the man she is one day.
Thank you, MiG!
Live, Love, Learn,