Maximilian Swenson
I recently saw Maximilian Swenson perform in the B. J. Cleveland directed Noises Off at Mainstage Irving - Las Colinas and to say that his performance impressed me is an understatement. I knew right away that this young man had the gift. As I told Maximilian after the show, he made the character so realistic that I forgot that I was watching an actor play a part. He was perfection and did it all with a flawless British accent! Since meeting Maximilian, I have heard from others in the DFW theater community that he is one of the most admired, respected, friendly, and humble young actors around. I am excited to follow the journey of the unbelievably talented Maximilian Swenson. Take a few moments to learn more about Maximilian.
When was your first time on stage?
My first time on stage was when I was 6 years old at Dallas Young Artists. I was a kid in Music Man. I had a lot of emotions and a lot of free time over the summer. Anyone who knows my Mom knew I was gonna be doing theater. So my parents enrolled me in that camp. I spent about 11 years there and learned from many people, some of whom I still consider mentors to this day.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I knew I wanted to be an actor whenever I made my Dad cry. That is a difficult thing to do, but when it happened, I could see it was something that came from the very center of his soul. Having that window and connection with someone was, and still is, what life is all about for me. Connection.
Who is your greatest mentor?
My greatest mentor would have to be a tie between Felicia Bertch and Gail Cronauer. As someone with a larger frame, it was easy for me to want to keep to myself and not make any grand gestures, as that would spell doom for either the people around me or an object that just happened to magically appear 5 feet away from me. Gail taught me that my size was a strength and that it’s something to be explored and celebrated in my movement on stage and day-to-day life. She also taught me my worth as an actor, what that means to be one, how to treat others, and how to be treated by others. Felicia taught me the importance of character breakdown and environment. Her classes at UTA allowed me to take moments in, instead of filling a very necessary space. Not everyone talks about it, but the moments between lines are just as, if not more important than, the words themselves. “Speak-Listen-React-Think-Respond.” The way that Gail’s presence can command a room with ease, and Felicia, having constantly been a shining light for me and so many others, amazes me.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
The role that I have enjoyed the most in my career so far would have to be Barfeé from Putnam County Spelling Bee. It was one of my first professional shows in DFW, and everything from the cast to the director to the set was insanity turned up to 11. So to have that be the front door to what life could look like later down the line as an actor was very exciting.
Do you have a dream role?
Okay, so my dream role, I have a serious and a “serious, but not serious” answer. My serious answer would be “The Baker” from Into the Woods. It was one of the first shows I saw live as a kid, and I think he has such a dramatic character shift at the end of Act Two that it would be beyond rewarding to explore. Maybe when I am actually “Dad” age and not just “Dad” energy. My other role that I am just as passionate about is the one white guy who sings Cadillac Car in Dreamgirls. Dreamgirls will constantly be in my top 5 musicals. Every other spot might shift, but Dreamgirls will always be there. To even be a part of that amazing musical would let me know I lived a full life.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
People I would absolutely love to perform with are David Lugo (how could you not, man has the voice of an angel), Traci Lee (Again. How could you not.), Oscar Seung (he has been crucial to my love of the art form and life in general; I would try everything in my power to make him break on stage) and Gail Cronauer (When I think of someone who does the work, there is simply no other answer). Robert San Juan was on this list, but now that is knocked off the bucket list! These four actors have excelled every time I have seen them perform, whether it be recently or years ago. They are what I believe to be some of the most mesmerizing performers who truly become their characters without a trace of who they are as people. I have 50 others, but for today, those are my four.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
The performances that have a prolonged impact on me are Dreamgirls at DTC a few years ago (some of the best world building and character development I have seen). The Play that Goes Wrong in New York (Original Cast, Lead Actor actually broke his wrist and understudy went on. We all thought it was a part of the show.), and Fly By Night (Cried several times, still some of my favorite performances from some of my favorite actors)
What are your career goals?
My career goals are to have a creative aspect in my life, even if it is not what pays for my rent, I have to create. Whenever I am not creating, I get restless, whether that be acting, writing, dancing, etc. I have to be doing something that says something. My big goals for this year are to expand from stage theater and move toward film, commercials, voiceover, etc. Anything I can do to connect with others and myself, I will happily do
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am such an open book; I think there are a few things I could say that would surprise anyone. I suppose one thing that only those around me know is that I can dance. I have a dance minor from UT Arlington and have a background in many different styles (Thank you, Meredith Knight Terminio, you’re a queen). Anyone challenge me on Just Dance, and it’s done.
