Today we’d like to introduce you to Micaela Dee.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up I always was someone extremely creative and passionate about making a difference for others. I never realized I could find a way to utilize all my talents at once. When I graduated college, I went into a 9-5 office job and it took me getting sick for a week three years into that job to realize that I wasn’t where I was meant to be. It was terrifying leaving a job with guaranteed income to pursue acting where I would not be guaranteed any income or work at all.
Now I have been in the industry for three years, and am further in this industry than I was in my previous line of work. I began acting with American Immersion Theater in July of 2017. Doing murder mysteries, princess parties and other interactive events was more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined. Every day I get to give people memories and magical moments while creating new, fun characters. I remember at a show I did recently this 70-year-old man and I had been joking all night. He pulled me aside at the end of the murder mystery and said “I want you to know, my pacemaker stopped last week, and I almost wasn’t revived. I am extremely grateful that I was because this was the best time I have had in 10 years and I would have missed this.” This is just one of the many moments I have shared on the hundreds of shows I have now done.
After eight months with the company I was promoted to director and four months into being director I was promoted to a regional director and get to help other incredible troupes in the nation. Having this director role has opened up the door for me to write my first screenplay with the Houston director, Nick Pinelli and create our own comedic songs that we are in the process of getting sold and produced. It also has allowed me the flexibility to launch my life coaching business, making a difference with people all across the country as I am committed to partnering with them in creating the life of their dreams. The best way to describe how I got to where I am now is by being in action, taking risks, and trusting myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I am someone that likes to be comfortable, so taking risks, working weeks without a day off, and having people question your career choice can be very uncomfortable! Some days I am overwhelmed by how much I need to get done and will think to myself “I have been working 12+ hours a day for three weeks and don’t have a day to breathe for the next few days… AHHH!!!” Then I remember, I love everything I am doing and what I am creating so this is actually the life I want! It is at that moment that I get extremely grateful that I get to wake up everyday working hard at something that doesn’t actually feel like work for me. The biggest obstacle for me would be finding a work-life balance. The industry I am in is not an easy industry to move forward in. The people that do are the ones that are rise and grinding it. I could rise and grind myself all day, but I have a husband to think about as well. When I work too much, he misses me and our relationship suffers. We have had to create a lot of structures in our life in order to make sure we are still nourishing our relationship and that he gets to be happy in life too. I would not be able to do what I am doing now if it was not for my husband and the sacrifices he has been willing to make so that I can do what I love.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about American Immersion Theater – what should we know?
Theater is a story about others, American Immersion Theater is a story about you!! We do murder mysteries, princess and superhero parties, atmospheric events and even famous for a day events where we are the paparazzi and convince the general public that you are a celebrity (it actually works!!!) I have done shows for a group as small as 8 people to a group as large as 800 people, each show special in its own way! Our shows go where you need them, with several different themes and ratings to choose from. We are invited to perform at birthday parties, country clubs, colleges, team building events, company holiday parties, just for fun and so much more where we get to play with people for a living and make them part of the experience. You just might become a shady suspect at one of our murder mysteries (GASP) or a princess yourself with a princess makeover at one of our magical birthdays!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would not be here today if it was not for the incredible family, friends, and mentors I have been blessed with in my life. Today I am going to highlight my family and my troupe.
My parents and siblings have always believed in me and I am tearing up writing this just thinking of how much love and support they selflessly share. My first show ever, my dad drove over 8 hours just to come and experience it with me. If you are ever lucky enough to meet my family, you will see that all of us are extremely self-expressed and not afraid to do what we are passionate about! Both my dad, Tim Donovan and grandmother, Caroline Newcomb are my biggest role models in life. Both my father and my grandmother have the biggest hearts of anyone I know and are extremely hard working. At 84 years old, dealing with surgeries, heart attacks, and so much more, my grandmother still works four days a week at the restaurant her and my grandfather founded. Then there is my father, who in retirement, still manages to have three jobs. Every job both of them do involve being with people, and I will tell you it is hard not to love and be impacted by either of them. I aspire to be that type of person as well.
As a director, I would not be the director I am today if it wasn’t for the fact that I have the most kick butt, talented troupe in the world. There are about 50 actors in my troupe and we feel more like family than coworkers. They make being a director easy because I know they all give their everything and from reading their reviews, they are constantly making a difference for our clients. THANK YOU, AIT ATLANTA, FOR BEING SO AMAZING!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grimprov.com
- Phone: (888) 643-2583
- Email: atlanta@americanimmersion.theater
- Instagram: @micaela_dee
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