Mike Faist
Mike Faist is one of those guys you could grab a beer with. He’s also one of those guys you can see bringing down a Broadway house. More specifically, bringing down the Music Box Theater house in a Tony Award-nominated performance in a Tony Award-nominated show by the name of Dear Evan Hansen. Mr. Faist’s Broadway debut was with those uber-talented paper boys in Newsies at the Nederlander in 2012. After this, he appeared in Signature Theatre’s production of Appropriate in 2013 and A Month in the Country at Classic Stage in 2015. Dear Evan Hansen assures us: you will be found. Well, Mike Faist has been found, and the Broadway community is thanking their
lucky stars for it. We are thrilled to have him On the Couch.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My compassion. My ability to see the child in someone.
What was your proudest moment?
Shooting this movie called I Can I Will I Did. Bad title. Probably a bad film, but I was doing it. I was able to let all inhibitions go and simply be.
What is your favorite drink?
Bourbon.
What is your favorite food?
Egg, turkey, avocado on a whole wheat bagel.
What is your favorite condiment?
Sriracha.
What is your current obsession?
“You Are A Bad Ass” by Jen Sincero.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
I quit smoking that gives me the right to not give up anything else!
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I want to start a Playwrights festival in Columbus, Ohio. Something similar to NYSF. Bring those works to New York have them produced or not. Just 10 days out of the year where I can bridge a gap between New York and Ohio and create a safe haven for artists.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Eating out.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Computer. Whether it be emails or Facebook. God the hours!
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Not rolling out enough.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
My Grandpa said to me recently, “Keep your feet on the ground and your head in the sky.” Growing up I was always working construction jobs with my parent and they instilled in me a work ethic, but pushed me to dream.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
I might be too practical. I have shoes that I have had for longer than I’ve been in New York.
What in the world most thrills you?
When you have an AH-HA moment. You can be working on something for years and one rehearsal or performance something just hits you. The worst thing is you can never replicate it.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
24 hour news/news via social media. Not everything is breaking news. Put the phone down and just be.
What was the single most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
You can’t be embarrassed to play pretend for a living. It’s already ridiculous enough. Things happen and you just have to roll with it.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere I’m surrounded by nature.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Listening and seeing. When we are starting a relationship, we give anything to be with that person. Then over time our ego’s get in the way and we allow that to screw up our romance with that person who we were so eager to give everything to. And you need to communicate and the person has to hear it and see it in order for healing to follow.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Nothing. It already is. You just have to allow it to be.
What is your personal motto?
It’s your life. Live it the way you want.