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

Hi Melissa, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I ever had to make was whether or not to pursue my career in the US or stay in Canada. It would have been very easy, however, unfulfilling for me to have stayed in my home country at the top of the game and build an empire. I’m confident that in doing so I would not have been happy. Moving the The US from another country is not a smooth process. It requires years of experience and expertise in your field along with a myriad of other requirements (12 to be exact) some of which include; ten letters of recommendation, press articles, notable jobs with celebrities (must have photo and video evidence), proof of employment for up to 3 years (entertainers audition for every single job they get, so this one is hard to prove)… among other things. Not to mention, its NOT cheap! A good Immigration attorney will cost anywhere from $5,000 – $12,000 depending on which Visa/Green Card you’re applying for.

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.
My art is one of a kind. This might sound cliche, but what sets me apart from others is ME. No one can do what I do, just like no one can do what you do. We are each a unique and complex being and for me that’s what makes the world so beautiful. I’d say that the way I see the world is unique. I have yet to outgrow my inner child, Im constantly dreaming up scenes and experiences that I, myself would like to have. Just last week I was in Big Bear kayaking with a friend and noticed how hypnotic the seaweed was and then thought how cool it would look if the entire lake bed, seaweed and all was decorated like a Christmas tree . My friend Viet Dang, another accomplished Choreographer, recently pointed out that my signature style of flipping perspectives and turning furniture into living, breathing art activations could very well stem from my childhood obsession with Beauty and The Beast….. singing teapots, dancing candelabras… why not create a living Champagne table, Aerial Bartending Act or roaming Lampshade lady. When it comes to my art my personal motto is “If I wouldn’t buy it, I’m not doing it”. At the end of the day my art is an extension of my spirit, authenticity and confidence in my work are very important to me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh how I wish my best fiend Ashely was here right now! I haven’t seen her in over a year, and now due to Covid, not sure when I’ll see her. But to answer your question: The first thing on the to do list is mani-pedis. They are so much cheaper in LA than anywhere in Alberta, like 70% off. Some of my favorite places to take people to when they visit are; The Roosevelt Pool, Mama Shelter, Chinese Theatre Tour (seriously GO! Its so cool), Beach day in Malibu followed my fries at Neptunes, Universal City Walk, Warner Brothers Studio Tour (I lost count of how many times I’ve been) The night market at Yamashiro, Hiking, Day trips to the mountains, Korean Spa, Shopping on Melrose, Vegan Street food in NoHo on Sundays, Fashion district DTLA, Musicals at The Rockwell and loads of organic vegan lattes everywhere and anywhere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hmmm, there’s so many people who’ve been an integral part of my journey. If I have to choose just one, I’d choose my Mom. My mom has always been supportive, although at times unsure of some of the decisions I’ve made :/, When I decided to come to LA and ultimately move here, there wasn’t a conversation. I just did it (like most things I do, lol). I can’t imagine what it must have been like to get a call from your daughter who has been away for a month telling you that she’s going to try and get an O-1 Visa to live and work in a foreign country……. and, I needed $3000 for my legal retainer…… Seriously, like, who just says yes to that!? You know who? Nancy. Nancy Staroszik says yes to that. She accompanied me to agency auditions and classes all over the city and A few months later I was cast in my LA Performance debut as “Carmen” the lead dancer in a modern Operatic Theatre Show of the infamous Opera by Georges Bizet. Both my Mom and Dad flew in from Canada to watch.

Instagram: @mstar_creative @eliteentertainmentglobal.com
Website: www.mstarcreative.com and www.eliteentertainmentglobal.com

Image Credits
I own the rights to all images. Photographers include: Ian Maxion, Carissa Woo and Conner Lee

Nominate someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.