Austin McCormick
Austin McCormick is quickly becoming one of the city’s most talented creators, blending forms and bending genres to create thrilling and dangerous theatrical experiences. Austin is the founder of Company XIV, which produces work that draws from ballet, vaudeville, burlesque and baroque dance. Their recent Nutcracker Rouge earned rave reviews for its unique take on a holiday classic. Now, Mr. McCormick and his team are taking on Cinderella, which will open on March 12th at Theater XIV. We love picking the brains of prodigious director/choreographers, so we are thrilled to have Austin McCormick On the Couch!
What do you consider to be your best asset?
Very pointy eyebrows and the skills to make a great cocktail.
What was your proudest moment?
Honestly, opening our new theatre and bar in Brooklyn. It’s been so many years of being nomadic and it’s a thrill to have a home to hang our glittery pasties!
What is your favorite drink?
Whiskey on the rocks after a long day of rehearsal. Champagne at my shows.
What is your favorite food?
Favorite bite in NYC is the shrimp role at Indochine.
What is your favorite condiment?
I have a condiment phobia. Nooooo! Especially mayo.
What is your current obsession?
Currently obsessed with Absinthe in it’s many forms/colors, German Baroque composers and pop music played on the harpsichord.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
“It has been my experience that folks who have very few vices have very few virtues.” –Abraham Lincoln
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I wanna work with Dita Von Teese. I would love to make a show for Cirque du Soleil.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
I hate the subway and love taking cars…..
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Shopping online for vintage lingerie, antique circus costumes and French showgirl headdresses. Also, watching the Real Housewives of New York.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
I have a huge chandelier in my apartment and think several times a day about it falling and crushing me- probably residue from seeing Phantom of the Opera as a child.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Their work ethic- they always worked their asses off and I am very similar in terms of liking to get my hands dirty.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My taste for bougie food and drink….
What in the world most thrills you?
The sound of Champagne bottles popping, colorful turbans and sexy mustaches.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Abbreviated phrases – IRL, LOL, LMAO etc.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
I was gossiping onstage at a very prestigious opera house and didn’t realize the stage was mic-ed. Also, one time my wig got stuck on my partner’s costume and the chin strap strangled me in front of an audience.
What is your favorite place in the world?
My companies brand new theater – THEATRE XIV and Parrot Cay-Turks and Caicos.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
I love being able to brainstorm and work through hypothetical situations – so imagination is the most important quality to me.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Neither. I have dreams of getting a miniature horse and making Versailles inspired horse ballets.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Miniature horse.
What is your personal motto?
Everything looks better with rhinestones, a powdered wig and high heels.