By Jillian Risberg 

Michael Schroeder is grateful for the opportunity to enhance the Roxbury arts, and work with a diverse group of creative people who share his vision of putting on quality plays.

“Impacting the lives of others is inspiring,” says Schroeder, Roxbury Arts Alliance new dramatic program director. “Regardless of the path we each walk, we all have challenges to deal with. If I can bring happiness to someone through a performance, I have done my job.”

The 52-year-old Randolph resident recently directed RAA’s inaugural production The Cemetery Club at Investors Bank Theater in Succasunna. The comedy about change and moving on debuted on Oct 8. 

“We have each had to deal with change, loss and how to move on the past 18 months,” says the director, who will now begin working on the second March Medley Talent Show: A Celebration of the Performing Arts, (3-12-22), one of the best platforms for aspiring actors to get their feet wet, and in May is directing the hilarious musical Nunsense.

“A few months ago I joined the RAA board and am thrilled to provide members of the community a chance to perform. I look for actors willing to grow and try new things, push themselves to become better.”  

Schroeder says for newbie young actors it’s all about experience, experience, experience. For an actor of any age, when an opportunity to perform presents itself, go for it. 

According to the director, knowledge is power. By watching other actors you will learn and grow. 

“I was offered an opportunity at a young age and fell in love with the theater. I worked to learn everything about theatrical productions as possible, both on and off-stage,” he says. “Like most things, the more experience you have, the more confident you are.”

If he had to pick a favorite staging, it would be Hello, Dolly! 

“I have directed two productions of the play, it’s profound message for me is to not let life pass you by. As time moves on the message becomes more important,” says Schroeder.

Through a business colleague the director first learned about RAA, and says they had a theater but never produced their own production. It was a familiar scenario since years ago he started a theater company in Pennsylvania that did not have their own space in which to rehearse and perform. 

“It was like serendipity. The RAA had the venue, I have the experience,” though Schroeder says the pandemic halted live productions, so he and RAA president Jean Potters put together a successful virtual talent show (March Medley). “It allowed me to witness the local talent. This led to a decision by the RAA board to add dramatic programs to the 2021-2022 season.”

As show director the overall vision is his responsibility, with assistance from staff to help make it happen. 

“At this time I have the majority of input on show design (directing, set, lighting, etc), however as we grow I look forward to sharing this responsibility,” says Schroeder, an advocate of collaboration.

He has an impressive background — nearly 30 years instructing ballroom dance, socially and competitively for both Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance studios, as well as Murray’s independent studio in Florida.   

“My arts journey has allowed me to perform on stages throughout the United States, numerous television specials and entertain thousands of guests at Disney World,” says Schroeder, adding that the medium is an escape (for performers and patrons) to escape. 

The industry has also allowed him to maintain lifelong friendships; and an outlet to express, entertain and feel a sense of accomplishment. 

“Anyone who has participated in live community theater understands the benefits are endless and the joy it brings is unlike anything else,” the performing arts veteran says. 

“Hearing the audience laugh, cry and applaud is powerful. The feeling is possibly greater as a director — you have an idea/vision, audition a cast, numerous hours of rehearsal, then watching your vision come to life on stage is incredible.” 

To Learn More about the Roxbury Arts Alliance, visit www.RoxburyArtsAlliance.org