Meet Max Craven | Dancer, Singer, and Actor.

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

Hi Max, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in a small city in Canada called Saskatoon. Growing up in a small prairie city certainly instilled the importance of community in my life. I believe it’s made me very appreciative of the people in my life. This sense of community translates seamlessly into the performing industry. I am grateful to be in an industry that values community in the same way my hometown does. This has presented some bittersweet challenges for me though. The people in your inner circle seem to constantly be changing as a performer. This career is filled with hellos and goodbyes; it’s a revolving door. I often wish that the people in my life could remain the same, like how it is in Saskatoon. Nevertheless, I’m so fortunate to have connected with so many artists and created my own community away from home!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated from AMDA NY in February of 2020 and at this point I had my first professional gig lined up for that summer. The pandemic of course cancelled those plans for me. I tried my best to seek out other virtual performing opportunities. This lead me to “BraveHearts For Broadway” on Playbill Live. This was such a unique experience being taught and filmed entirely virtual. Being a part of this project, along with projects like “TSQ Project” set me a part because I didn’t let the pandemic stop me from seeking opportunities.

I am now so blessed to be on my second year of a North American Tour. This tour of CATS marks my first big professional job as a dancer and has pushed me so much as an overall performer. Being cast in a featured role (Mungojerrie) forced me to tap into my acting skills and utilize all the tools in my singing toolbox. I’m certainly a stronger singer and actor because of the show.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced along my educational and professional journey is being from a different country. Many don’t realize the hurdles that international students and performers face while trying to live and work in the United States. I would love to make the immigration path from education into a career more realistic and accessible to everyone. I have been very fortunate to have the resources to navigate this hurdle.

My career path so far has not been what I’ve expected it to be. This journey has been filled with many challenges and lots of reroutes. Accepting new navigations of your career is so crucial, but so hard. It’s important to be open to new opportunities that you didn’t know would come knocking. This is something I still struggle with. However, looking back at what I thought didn’t go to plan has always worked out how it’s supposed to.

When people hear my story about pursuing a performing career in the US, I truly hope they are inspired to do the same in their respective passions in life. It takes so much courage to not only start down that path, but to keep on that path. It’s such a classic reference and I think about it often. “Follow the yellow brick road,” but remember that your road is gonna be different from someone else’s. As long as you rely on your brain, heart, and have courage you will get to where you are meant to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Number one place would be Urth Cafe in West Hollywood. It has the best drinks and amazing margarita pizza. After fueling up here, we would go on a hike up Runyon Canyon or to Griffith Observatory. Another day would be filled with a drive through Malibu to El Matador State Beach. Being a theatre performer myself and having recently performed here, I would have to force my friend to go to a show with me at The Pantages. To fulfill our rich fantasies, I would take my friend down to Rodeo Drive to walk in and out of all the luxury stores. The weekend would certainly be filled with many clubs and bars in WeHo. To finish out the week we’d have to drive up the hills and find a lookout at night. Listening to music and staring at the city lights is a good way to say thanks to the city for a memorable week together.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I appreciate the opportunity THEY have given me on tour. THEY saw something in me and I’m so appreciative.

I’d also love to shoutout my parents. Not only supporting, but encouraging their son to move countries to pursue his dreams is something I’m so thankful for. I know it was just as scary for them as it was for me.

Instagram: @maxcraven_

Facebook: Max Craven

Image Credits
CATS photos (minus photo of just me with twinkle lights) are MurphyMade Photography Twinkle light cat photo is Tayler Harris Two dance jump shots are Bob Holtsman