This show is going to be off the hook, my friends.
In fact, it might end up too crazy and random. To be safe, we’ve decided to balance the show by casting a “Host” (much like a game show host) to tie all the show’s nuttiness together into a neat little package.
Of course, we couldn’t just cast some guy in a suit. That would be too predictable. Even in a role that’s meant to balance out the craziness, we still want this character to knock us off our rockers.
So we began brainstorming – what kind of unique flavor could the Host portray? How could we capture a look, personality, and flair that’s never been seen before?
Normally we’d keep these kinds of ideas secret, but in this special case, we’ll sneak you into our creative process. At the end of our brainstorming sessions, we decided that the Host should have three traits:
- A “little person.” Not a kid, but an adult who happens to be very short.
- A bubbly chap with a fake or real English accent (ala John Cleese)
- Can rip up da’ floor with his wicked dance moves
Since this character plays such a crucial role, the standards were high. But then again, so are the standards for everything else we do on the show.
The big question..were they too high? Where in South Bend could we find a dancing John-Cleese-impersonator with dwarfism? No way – not in this small ‘burg.
It was time to branch out. We posted messages all over actors’ networks and casting forums throughout the U.S.. To be honest, our hopes of finding anyone to match our strict criteria were slim.
But a couple weeks later, we received a Youtube audition from Michael Marius Massett, a guy in Chicago who performs a lot of roles related to his 4′1″ height. I took one look at the special reel he made for us - my jaw hit the floor, and four words entered my mind.
Best. Video. Resume. Ever.
Absolutely perfect. His dancing, comedic timing, and (fake) British accent were amazing. Clearly stumbling on a talented guy, I called him ASAP to get him on board.
He was instantly excited about playing the Host - and pretty thrilled that we weren’t asking him to play an Elf, Oompa-Loompa, or Leprechaun (which are most of his gigs).
Posted below is one of our favorite of his auditions. Enjoy!
Related posts:
That dude seriously rocked our socks off! Can’t wait to see his outstanding performance in Fresh Fruit Pie!
Go get’m Mike!!! You guys you will not be disappointed with this small wonder! You wanna talk multi-talented, just wait. MIKE RULES! ! !
He is already a big deal……