Q&A with actor Michael Stiggers

Finding joy in New York

… an in-depth discussion with former Columbusite Michael Stiggers about his experiences as a young actor on Broadway and surviving in New York

CURRENTLY UNFORMATTED!

By Jim Lynn

You’ve probably heard of Michael Stiggers. His talent, determination, upbeat persona and dedication to his alma mater are well known among the theatre crowd in Columbus. His persistence and sheer love of the craft have landed him in two Broadway productions. “Gratefulness is my magic word,” he says.

Now 34, Stiggers grew up in West Point, Georgia, and graduated from Columbus State in 2009. Not with a BFA in performance, but with a bachelor’s in theatre education. He’s a 2003 grad of Troup County High who came to CSU simply because it was nearby, not certain where it would lead him.

So if you’re familiar with local theatre, you probably think you know Michael Stiggers. But we took the time recently, over several weeks, to interview Michael in depth, to get beneath the superficial, to help uncover the reality of life for a

Columbus artist trying to make it in one of the

toughest markets on the planet.