A graduate of Florida State University, Michelle Mercedes worked with Urban Bush Women and Dance Lab New York prior to being cast as Clarice in the 2020 West Side Story revival on Broadway. She appeared in New York productions of I Married an Angel and Samson et Dalila, and regional productions of The Wiz, Mary Poppins, Crazy for You, and Footloose. In addition to her performance career, she is an entrepreneur and MBA candidate at the University of Florida. She also worked in the fitness industry both as an educator and as an administrator with certifications as a personal trainer and Pilates Instructor.
Her work is shaped by her love of dance, drive to impact the industry, and as a black woman. She plans to establish a talent agency focused on access and diversity for performing artists of color.
In our conversation she shares the very real joys and challenges in the arts and entertainment industry, and how she shapes her mindset to carve out her space within it. She is direct, grateful, and focused. To learn more about Michelle and her work, check out her Instagram feed @michellemercedes_.
Let me know how you’ve responded to her experience via my website or social media.
Be inspired and be brave, YOU are the emcee of your story.
