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

Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?
Like many other artists, I couldn’t NOT pursue an artistic career. For the years I wasn’t actively pursuing acting, it was almost all I ever thought about. My default network was always busy with thoughts and dreams about pursuing the career, the kind of work I could do some day, the excitement of it. And whenever I was involved in a play and was rehearsing or performing, I was the only time I felt truly satisfied with how I was using my time and energy, and didn’t think about anything else. One of my very first acting teachers in high school spoke to this feeling, and that’s helped bring me back to it whenever I started to drift too far away from it.

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’m especially proud of my most recent solo show Dickin’ Around, which I premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival this year. I was fortunate to have some great, full audiences see the show, and share how the show made them laugh, made them cry, and made them feel understood. Of course, you don’t do it for the awards, but winning “Pick of the Fringe” didn’t hurt either haha. It’s the first time I committed to writing a piece of this length and took the saying “write what you know” to heart. As someone who studies acting, writing, clown, and works in healthcare as an occupational therapist, I’m able imbue my work with those various intellectual, emotional, and spiritual experiences. And through the development of this show, I’ve been able to tap into all the resources gained from those experiences. I think I could verbalize my brand right now as seriocomic sexual chaotic honesty. I don’t know, though, I’m along for the ride.

I’m learning that seemingly every time I shift the focus from what I need from the career, what I need from the universe (the auditions, the meetings, the emails with good news) to how I can contribute (by writing, playing, creating, developing my skills) the more good comes my way. It’s a reminder that what’s meant to come will come, and my job isn’t to force it, but to keep myself ready. And to follow my joy in doing so! This past year or so, I decided ease up on forcing what I thought was the ideal path forward as an actor, and just started exploring and working on the things that turned me on. Writing and performing my show. Taking more clown classes. And finally taking aerial classes (hoop/lyra has been my main apparatus). And it’s become clear that this how I need to continue.

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?
I would absolutely want to do either a full day trip or overnight stay in Joshua Tree. It’s one of the most beautifully strange natural places in the world. I feel deep sense of calm and wonder when I’m there, and am happy to go anytime. Other things would include a beach day at Manhattan Beach. AYCE KBBQ at Road to Seoul. Chris & Eddy’s in Hollywood for amazing sliders and fries. Griffith Observatory to see the planetarium show. Some deliciously chaotic clown show at The Elysian (if Natalie Palamides or Courtney Pauroso are performing, anywhere they are). And then dance the night away at Akbar!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ann Noble – a long time acting teacher of mine, and the person who I began developing my solo show under, who became an important source of artistic consultation in rehearsals. A mentor of theater, of writing, of artistic spirit. My show literally would have never existed if it were not for her.

Gregory Berger-Sobeck – my main acting teacher for several years who I owe my rich, repeatable, and fun technique too. Working with Berg helped me learn how to lean into fear, uncertainty, and knowing the good stuff was in staying off-balance.

David Bridel – my clown teacher this year. David is such a gentle, passionate, caring spirit. He really helped bust open my heart and soul through the clown universe. Time in David’s class includes guaranteed belly laughs, spiritual insights, and possibly a few tears. Clown work with David has not only stretched my acting and physical comedy abilities, but also deepened my emotional connection with this life. Wow I can’t believe I just wrote that. But I mean it. I laugh more easily. I cry more easily. I am braver, more forgiving, more vulnerable. I could not recommend class with David at The Clown School more highly to anyone, not just actors, but any human.

Instagram: @michael.j.lyons

Other: https://vimeo.com/730196350 – short clip of Dickin’ Around https://vimeo.com/728451798/df8c80eccd – Comedy reel https://vimeo.com/728451611/19214bb08f – Drama Reel

Image Credits
Dana Patrick, Liam Walsh, Micah Fusco, Rock Your Reel

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