Artist Spotlight: Michael Stone
Hey Michael, we’re excited to have you participating in our Artist spotlight. You’ve worked with us before, but tell our audience a little bit about yourself.
Michael Anthony Stone
I grew up in Sierra Vista, Arizona. I attended the University of Arizona where I graduated with a degree in Political Science. After graduation I was hired as a Police Officer in Sierra Vista. While working as a Police Officer I caught the acting bug. I retired from the Police Department a little over a year ago, and I’m now focusing on acting full time.
That’s awesome, what projects have you been a part of?
Zedd feat. Elley Duhe “Happy Now” Music Video
I have been fortunate to work on several TV shows, Music Videos and Films. I received my SAG-AFTRA card almost two years ago after playing a Police Officer in the Zedd featuring Elley Duhe “Happy Now” music video. I had a great time filming the video at a mansion in Malibu, CA. Some other projects I’ve been fortunate to work on were the films, You’re Gonna Miss Me, Good Cop Mom Cop, The System is Broken, NEED. I have also worked on several TV shows. One being, The Verdict with Judge Hatchett on The CW. It was a big surprise to learn that a lot of the TV court shows aren’t real. I had the opportunity to sharpen my Improv skills on that show. My family (my brother and 3 nieces) were also on Family Feud. Steve Harvey was hilarious and the entire crew were nice, helpful and professional.
Things have slowed down a lot due to Covid-19, how has it affected you?
The Stone Family on Family Feud with Steve Harvey
Covid-19 has had a huge affect on a lot of people. One of the ways it has affected my acting career is that the acting class that I was attending in person is now being done online. And of course, most Film and TV productions have shut down. Auditions are now being done on self-tape. Luckily, I have a self-tape studio at home.
What about Tucson, how has it impacted your career?
Tucson has attributed to my acting career tremendously. I started taking acting classes in Tucson over 9 years ago at the Studio for Actors with Anna Risley. I then began taking classes at the Bennett TheatreLab & Conservatory. There I learned a lot and continued to develop as an actor. I also met a lot of great hard-working actors who I still keep in contact with today. I’m currently being coached by Director Steve Anderson who is an excellent instructor.
Tell us one of your favorite moments from working on Good Cop Mom Cop.
One of the experiences I enjoyed most about playing the character of Sgt. Mills in “Good Cop Mom Cop” was the scene I was in opposite actor Stefan Orepeza, who played a young Cop and I was his Supervisor. In the scene his character had done something wrong and I was supposed to yell at him for it. Director Christopher Scott told me to let him have it and not hold back. I’m naturally a laid-back person, so It was fun going off on somebody.
In the midst of everything, how have you been spending your time?
Right now, I’m trying to stay busy during all what’s happening due to Covid-19. I’ve been taking acting class over Zoom. I’ve been working on monologues and breaking down scripts. I’ve also been binge watching a lot of TV shows and Films and studying the actor’s performances. I want to stay sharp so when productions start up again, I will be ready to go.
What social handles can our audience follow you on?
Facebook: Michael Stone
Instagram: @MichaelStonez
Any last words?
I want to leave you with this. I had this quote in a frame on my desk when I was a Police Lieutenant. Whenever I doubt myself, I read it. It says simply, “Believe in Yourself and Anything Is Possible.”
BTS of Elephant Scout Films ‘Good Cop Mom Cop’ with Stefan Oropeza, Michael Stone, Lucinda Serrano, and Bradford Trojan.