Arts Exchange
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Thoughts From Michael Steuber, Budo Dance Theater

As an artist and teacher who has thrived in the professional theater for nearly thirty years, with the privilege of working with such directors and choreographers as Michael Bennett, Graciela Daniele, and Joel Grey, I can attest that real quality and integrity in the theater is a rare occurrence; one might say a blessing.

And so it was with unexpected joy that I recently witnessed the work of Clear Space Productions’ directors Ken Skrzesz and Doug Yetter. I spent an evening observing a series of their classes in voice and singing, acting, and dance and movement, culminating in a short performance/rehearsal which integrated all techniques.

What struck me most strongly was their clarity of purpose. The name they have chosen for their company is apt; not only are Ken and Doug absolutely clear about what they are doing, but every staff member I met was equally dedicated, passionate, and sincere.

It is that sincerity which I find so refreshing, so moving, and so indelible. Students and parents alike are treated with respect and candor; encouragement is always forthcoming, and admonishment is given when necessary. Always, an atmosphere of enthusiasm and fun pervades. I saw children literally running breathless with excitement into the school to begin their study. As the children guided me to their next classes, they couldn’t stop telling me all about what they were doing. They were articulate, focused and animated—all that a child should be.

The experience I had through my observations of the inspired work at Clear Space Productions is timely. I have recently opened a dance and theater school in Osaka, Japan, to meet the demand for true creative theater. Budo Dance Theater is already flourishing, and I believe will prove a fertile ground for the seeds of honest, creative integrity in theater that Clear Space Productions exemplifies. All of us here are excited about the prospect of further exchange.

Majinhunta Mitsurugi Chojinyobiko Theatre Group

Director, actor and prolific author of 14 plays and dozens of comedy sketches and radio dramas, Majinhunta Mitsurugi started his life with a much humbler name: Fukui Wataru. He was born in 1968 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He began writing plays while attending Nara University, and soon after graduation he joined the “Yukisha” Theater Group. for which he wrote and directed numerous plays, performing in Osaka and Tokyo. In 1993, he won the grand prize at the Arukari competition for his groundbreaking original script for Rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling). The loss of his home and all his belongings in the great Hanshin earthquake of 1995 served only to fuel his passion for theater and his singular imagination. He has been twice nominated for the Ogimachi Museum Square drama prize: in 1997 for his play Choeikyumaigo—Super ‘A-class’ Lost Child, and again in 2005, for his play Tsuruniongaeshi—Recompensing the Crane. In that same year, he founded the “Chojinyobiko” Theater Group—“Superhumans-in-Training”, for which he remains as artistic director, writing and staging at least three original productions a year.

Michael Steuber Budo Dance Theater

Michael Steuber’s career in the theater spans 3 decades and 3 continents. He began his training in classical ballet at the age of 16 at Stephens College in his native Missouri, then soon left his home and country to study classical drama at the Webber-Douglas Academy of  Dramatic Art in London, England. Upon his return to the US, he landed his first professional job playing the role of Mark in the National Tour of A Chorus Line. In 1981 he moved to New York City, immersing himself in intensive training in dance and acting. He emerged with a featured dance role in the National Tour of Zorba!, starring Anthony Quinn, followed by more featured dancing in the Broadway production of 42nd Street. Scores of musicals and plays followed, ranging from Shakespeare to The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; from Radio City Music Hall to off-Broadway and Regional theaters across the US. Michael’s defiance of artistic limits naturally led him beyond the bounds of performing into the creation of original theater. His choreography has been featured most notably in Ireland (West Side Story and The Wizard of Oz at the Everyman Playhouse in Cork); and in Japan, (4 original productions at the Isshinji Theater in Osaka). In 2006 Michael founded “Budō Dance Theater” (budodance.com) in Osaka, where he remains as artistic director.

This program is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Office and participation in all activities, programs and benefits of Clear Space Productions, Inc. shall be open without regard to age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Clear Space Productions, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tax Identification number 20-1712916.

Clear Space Productions partners with Art-Reach to “Share the Experience” providing free or discounted tickets or admissions to Art-Reach member agencies that serve people with disabilities or economic disadvantages.