Michael Voit, a senior at Blaine High School, is a actor, director and writer. Voit has appeared in nine school productions, his most recent being in the play Harvey. Voit played Elwood P. Dowd, a man who claims to have a unseen friend which is a six-foot rabbit, named Harvey. Voit is now preparing for his new role in Alice In Wonderland the musical, where he plays the Mad Hatter. “I saw him in last years musical How to succed in Business Without Really Trying He is very talented and I would definitely go see him again” said Haley Wayne (11).
Voit was recently nominated among others as homecoming royalty to represent Blaine High School. “It was a real honor. And honestly kind of a surprise.” said Voit. “He [Voit] was fearless, after I saw him in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, I came back to watch the next production he was in, Harvey…, For him to go up on that stage and act like that was inspiring, and I know I am not the only one who feels that way… I watched Harvey with my younger sister and she wouldn’t stop going on about him…, she said she wants to be an actor just like him.” said an anonymous source after being asked why they voted for him.
“Michael is dedicated to his craft… he knows how to bring his charcters to life… Michael always brings a level of uniqueness to the characters he plays, when he appears on stage he is always a delightful surprise, I think Michael is going to be one to watch, as a upcoming playwright and film maker” said Mrs. Hess, the head of Blaine High School Theatre department. ”I am going to write and direct short films, music videos, and commercial projects, and work on building my reel as a filmmaker. Meanwhile, I’ll be working on collaboratively writing and assembling my anti-bullying play which will be performed at Steppingstone Theatre in Saint Paul as well as at Action Transport Theatre in Ellesmere Port, England in 2014″ said Voit about his future after graduation.
In addition to preparing for his new role as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland the musical, Voit is also working on his production for the student directed show, Limelight, at Blaine. “My show, currently entitled, In The Machinery of Night will be written and directed by me, and will be performed at our school’s Limelight Showcase as well as State Thespian Conference’s Chapter Select One-Act Competition…, In The Machinery of Night will be a dark, semi-comedic period piece… It delves into philosophical, religious, and ethical questions… It is heavily focused on the merits and dangers of religion, and it draws influence from elements of beat poetry, greek tragedy, and real world cults as well. It is very much a satire, and I’m excited to see it performed.” said Voit.
Adding to his interests in theatre, writing, and directing, Voit is also interested in politics. “I am a “political” mind, I’d say. You may go so far as to even say I’m passionate about it. I’m passionate that we maintain our civil liberties and our dignity as free citizens. I’m passionate that we don’t fall into zombiedom at the hands of tyrants. I’m passionate that we protect our constitution. But I would never go into politics as a career choice. I’d be swallowed whole.” said Voit.
“…I think—I hope I’ve managed to find a nice balance between…affability, intelligence, creativity, and madness. I think many people have difficulty finding a balance between these things, and end up being unhappy, but I think I’ve found a neat little equilibrium there.” said Voit when asked about what was unique about him.
” I will miss his sense of humor and his originality, but I expect great things from him” said Mrs. Hess about his upcoming graduation. “Though I didn’t know him personally, I saw some of the shows he was in and know that with his level of talent,… that won’t be the last time I see him act or direct” said an anonymous source.
Remember the name Michael Voit, the next time you hear it might be while your watching The Oscars.