Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Mulick.
Hi Paige, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my arts training like many others, dreaming of becoming a ballerina! (Or a popstar, or an actress, or a princess, or a Broadway performer… or all of the above). From the age of 5, I began training in dance and singing on occasion. Throughout my youth, I danced intensively at The Citadel Dance & Music Center of Benton Harbor, MI – which developed a deep-rooted love, appreciation, and dedication to dance in all forms. My total obsession with dance was most definitely a product of the brilliant Lari Lawrence-Gist, who has served as my mentor since my early days in dance. I dedicated my week nights, Saturday mornings, and summers to all things dance in any way I could through classes, performing in musicals, and countless hours of rehearsals.
When faced with the world of education beyond high school, it was evident that I wanted to continue my dance career, which brought me to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where my freshman year was stunted by this little thing called COVID. Through the dedication of the faculty in the Department of Dance, students were still able to take technique courses, develop choreography, perform, and continue theory courses, all while navigating the mandates to keep our community safe. During this period of distanced learning I found that I had a knack for administrative work through my experiences as the Production Manager for Orchesis Dance Society (the Registered Student Organization for students in the dance department to produce student concerts). Since dance wasn’t existing in the same way we were used to, I found myself looking for more way to learn and added a second major – Arts Administration! Throughout my time at WMU I was able to perform, choreoghraph, design lighting, design programs, run the department social media, teach, and learn an abundance of skills that strengthened my knowledge as an artist and an administrator. Heading into senior year I served as an administrative intern for The GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor, MI where I now serve as the Front of House Manager and a frequent choreographer and performer.
Following graduation, I returned to my homebase, Southwest Michigan to work for the organizations I knew so well, The Citadel Dance & Music Center, and The GhostLight Theatre! Two places where you will still find me today! I am also grateful to be a member of CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, a professional dance company/movement collective based in Stevensville, MI who “value bringing community access to professional dance, while sharing collaborative and engaging opportunities to connect, view, and participate in movement”. CPR has allowed me to dance professionally post-grad performing all across the stage of Michigan, Indiana, Chicago, and more!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe that it’s a constant challenge for artists to keep their drive/determination that is required to be successful in the field. Learning to negotiate with yourself and grow in this area is an everyday journey (some days it is easier than others!)
To be successful, I aim to be as present in the space as possible. Whatever that space may be! It may be rehearsal, a meeting, a class, or even viewing a show. I continually strive to be more present!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I classify myself as a multi-hyphenate!
Dancer – Teacher – Choreographer – Administrator – Actor – Singer – Director
I am proud of my versatility within all of these fields. I believe that knowledge in one only strengthens your ability in the others. This versatility is something that I prioritize in my continued training and in the projects I sign on to – I always want to learn and grow! I am not perfect in any of these areas, but they all inform one another!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love my little corner of the world in Southwest Michigan! The intimate community in this area is something that brought me back post-grad. Everyone cares so much about one another and it is so special to see so many friendly faces who are there to support you, and have been for so many years. I do, one day, hope to be based in a larger city where I can challenge myself to grow even more as a professional artist – with larger cities come more opportunities to work with more creative folks!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paige.mulick/ and https://www.instagram.com/paige.offstage/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-mulick-00603b164
Image Credits
Sofia Pate / Lauren Mow / Paige Mulick / Tommy Oldham
