My Bio

My Biography and Story

My journey into the theatrical world began when I was about twenty back in 1993 at HB Studio, and also at a studio that is no longer with us, called The Drama Tree.  My focus at the time was acting and technique.  At HB Studio I studied Uta Hagens acting technique. All acting at HB Studio was based off this wonderful technique.  Through the 1990's I appeared in five off Broadway plays, and also worked and acted in two independent films.  I enjoyed working on film, but missed the rush of live performance. I knew that the stage was where it was at for me.  Plus the theater world offered me so much more as a performer, and did not push me into type casting roles.

Towards the end of the 90's I felt something was missing in my world of performance. I was always drawn to music, and felt I could express myself through music better.  I loved performing in that format.  It was around this time that I studied voice, and began my journey into musical performance.  I studied Vocal Technique, and Musical Theater under Gayle Swymer, Steve Webber, and later on with Michael Edelstein, who then later became my musical director, and creative musical force behind the arrangements of my cabaret shows. 

When I started training in vocal technique under Gayle Swymer, she taught me a style of vocalizing that in many ways was based on the Italian Opera method of vocalizing. Also a legit Broadway style was required and taught to me too.  I thought I was doomed.  I was only allowed to sing legit Broadway song selections.  I use to say to her at times, "I can't do this, and I will never be an opera singer, and I don't want to be". She would then say to me. "You are going to learn the proper technique for your foundation, then you can go on to whatever style of music you want to sing, do not limit yourself".  Well, both Gayle and I was right.  I never did become an opera singer, but her technique she taught me, made it possible for me to sing in my style.  What is my style of singing  I am asked? Well, I do not limit myself to one style or format.  I get my inspiration from Broadway, Pop, Rock, Jazz, R&B, Blues, etc.  These various styles influence my shows, and singing voice.  I am always learning and evolving through time.  And I welcome that.  I try my best to push the boundaries of Cabaret, and this is why I try to use other elements in my shows, such as combining a Pop style vocal, with legit for example.  I always want my shows to be a journey for the audience through the sound and emotion that is displayed in the show.  I try my best always to make the standards that I choose in my shows fresh, and this is also why I choose to mix styles.

As you know by now, I am currently working on my fourth full production Cabaret show.  I also have some new projects in mind for this year, and I will keep you posted.  I hope to see you all at one of my shows.  Thank you to everyone who has given me that little extra push when I needed it , and for making this all possiable for me.

Love&Peace,
Michael Bradley