Today we’d like to introduce you to Lars Stadig.
Hi Lars, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born to create and entertain. Growing up with performance arts in the family was such a blessing. I remember being taken to Epcot as a little kid with my grandfather, a musician; he would take me to hear all the bands around the world showcase lagoon. It was magical! My early years of life were heavily influenced by music and art. In my sophomore year of high school, I was pulled into the visual arts world and joined the color guard team. I started taking dance, art, and circus classes, which became my passion. After graduating high school in 2015, I put all my energy into training and learning as many new skills as possible to make me a well-rounded entertainer. I began working in a special FX makeup lab as a side job, creating prosthetics and props for theatre and haunted attractions. During that time, I performed with various big-top circus shows, theme parks, and haunted attractions. I graduated from Paul Mitchell The School Orlando, and became a licensed cosmetologist in 2021. Since graduating, I have worked as a Variety entertainer and producer with Vaudeville Entertainment LLC, performing across the state and country.
Let’s dig deeper into the story – has it been an easy path, and if not, what challenges have you overcome?
Being a freelance artist and creator can be very difficult at times. Most people only see the finished product or performance, they often forget about all of the other things that go into a successful event like writing contracts, designing and fabricating costuming, hundreds of hours of training and rehearsals, and bookkeeping. It can be very overwhelming. I’m thankful to have built a community of like-minded creatives who help make the hard days more manageable. I have been so fortunate to have met so many amazing creatives in this industry who help keep me motivated and share their wealth of knowledge and expertise. During the pandemic, when gig work/ performing was impossible, I used my time to learn new skills and expand my circle to help me grow as an artist. I learned how to sew to create costumes for other performers. All of my aerial training during that time had to be virtual. I took advantage of distance learning and trained with and learned from artists I admire from all around the globe. Since high school, I have struggled with severe anxiety disorder and depression. Through performance arts, I found myself and were and who I am meant to be. I love to create and make memories. I’m in that moment when I’m performing, and nothing else matters. Seeing all the happy faces smiling back at me brings me a joy that can never be replicated. Being an introvert, I often find connecting with others hard. But the one thing I can always relate to is children. They believe in magic, fairy tales, and lands of make-believe. As a performer, we are always trying to tell a story or create a fantasy world for you to escape reality. Getting to create magical moments for kids who believe anything is possible and are excited for what’s next makes my job so much fun!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a jack of all trades specializing in circus arts and all things spooky. My focus is on various performers and creators specializing in circus arts and horror. I am a licensed cosmetologist, special FX makeup artist, and body painter. I perform aerial arts, stilt walking, fire, sideshow, burlesque, and character acting when I’m not teaching or performing. I am creating art for others, like producing nationwide entertainment events and custom costumes for circus artists and haunted attractions. From the creation phase to the event day, I want to provide everything to make the performance and work experience memorable.
Any big plans?
I have some big things planned for the future. A second attempt at a Guinness world record (the world’s longest neck hang(time)). Lots of travel and performance opportunities. I will perform aerial arts and fire at the Central Florida Fair in 2024. I will also perform at Tales of Terror this October, debuting a new character and acting for the spooky season.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lars.theentertainer?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lars.theentertainer?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://instagram.com/lollipops_and_monsters?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
