Michael MacSpurren Finding his voice in musical theatre

	Michael MacSpurren, a young performer who’s learning to balance creativity, confidence, and growth through his love for theatre and the arts. Photo by Celeste Odoño

by Oscar Pantaleon Jr.

We met at Hildegard’s Bakery along Portage Avenue. It’s a cozy spot that, oddly enough, none of us had ever visited before. It seemed like the perfect place to meet Michael MacSpurren, a young actor who has a growing list of musical theatre credits under his belt.

That day, I woke up with a sore throat. Michael arrived with his mom, Celeste Odoño, straight from Art City, where he’s part of ARTsquad, a youth leadership program that combines creativity and community engagement. Because his first choir concert of the school year was only days away, I asked his mom to get him a mask. I didn’t want this teenage performer catching my bug.

Early forays in musical theatre

Before residing in Winnipeg, the MacSpurrens lived in Ontario, where Celeste and Bruce hosted members of the Philippine Madrigal Singers during their 2011 Canadian tour. Among the guests was Bianca Lopez-Aguila, who would years later become Michael’s voice teacher.

“Bianca influenced me into looking more into theatre,” Michael said. “Then she helped me improve my singing skills.”

Michael’s path into theatre began when the world was reeling from lockdowns. “I ended up starting musical theatre in 2020, with the St. James-Assiniboia School Division production of Disney’s Frozen JR.,” he recalled. His first role was as a townsperson. Small, perhaps, but formative.

“Honestly, I really enjoyed it. I got to make some really good friends there.”

Growing into the spotlight

Michael’s first lead role came in Disney’s Moana JR., where he played Maui. The casting moment remains one of his favourite memories.

“It was close to my birthday. I had auditioned for Hei Hei, and my parents tried to act disappointed to throw me off. That’s how I found out I got the role of Maui,” he laughed.

A year later, he took on a more emotionally demanding part as Marlin in Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. “I had to capture his sense of loss and grief,” he explained. “It didn’t click at first. But I think I started getting the hang of it by the time the production was actually happening.”

From cheerful ensemble parts to layered leads, Michael’s artistic growth is clear. What began as curiosity inspired by Frozen and his mom’s love of musicals has become a serious craft.

“My favourite part is the acting,” he said. “It’s about moulding the characters and making people care about the characters and their motivations.”

Discipline, dedication, and drive

Michael is currently enrolled in the Sturgeon Heights Collegiate’s musical theatre and concert choir programs. So, aside from acting, he’s also part of the St. James-Assiniboia Senior Concert Choir. His days are filled with rehearsals, classes, and music. Balancing theatre, choir, and schoolwork isn’t easy.

“When it comes to time management, I have no true idea how I manage my time effectively,” he admitted. “However, I have recently been trying to prioritize schoolwork and practice.”

When asked what he likes best about performing in musical theatre, his face lit up.

“I would say it’s the connections I make. I met one of my lifelong friends through musical theatre when I was in fourth grade.”

That sense of belonging and of shared purpose seems to fuel his dedication.

Looking ahead

After each show, Michael takes his final bow. “Bittersweet moments,” he said. “It means another production gone by in a flash. At the end of Finding Nemo, I started crying because it was my last year acting with the Divisional Musical Troupe.”

Since that first step five years ago, Michael has joined eight productions. His confidence has grown alongside his experience, moving from ensemble roles to leading parts.

What is his advice for other teens who might be hesitant to try performing?

“Put yourself out there and do your best, even if you don’t feel the best about it.”

His dream role?

“Kristoff in the full Frozen musical,” he said without hesitation. “His character is slightly more fleshed out in the musical than in the original movie.” So, yes, this is more than just a hobby. “I personally plan on pursuing professional theatre in the future, seeing that as my preferred career path,” he said.

As Michael continues to explore his voice, heritage, and identity through the arts, his path only seems to be widening. This November, he’ll be onstage in Piper Pride Production’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, followed in December by Mamma Mia at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.

With a growing résumé, a sense of discipline, and a clear vision for the future, Michael MacSpurren stands as a proud example of young Filipino-Canadian artists rooted in community who are ready for the next spotlight.

For show tickets and information, visit www.piperprideproductions.ca and www.sjasd.ca/school/sturgeonheights.