Mike Mitrano
33 | Founder/Principal Designer at Dark Shadows / Operations Manager at Paramount, Dark Shadows Entertainment / The Paramount Theatre
Residence: Rutland
Career Highlights: A couple of current career highlights that stick out include being part of the planning team for The Paramount’s 6.6 million dollar renovation ushering in more artistic and economic opportunities for Rutland County. This patron-centric, forward-thinking renovation is one example of Rutland’ current trajectory for improving our downtown. Another highlight at the Theater has been re-introducing our Education series of performances, catering to our local students by bringing back learning opportunities lost during the pandemic. This season’s series will include performances that highlight literature, math, biology, research methods, as well as confidence and other social skills. Out of the sheer fun this event is, another highlight is celebrating Rutland’s Batman heritage by lighting up the mural during the Annual Halloween Parade. It’s an honor to be a part of a historic event so beloved by our community!
Community Involvement: My community involvement has included being a board member and current President for the Rutland Young Professionals, the President and Co-Founder of One Room Theatrics, and formerly on the board for CEDRR, and I.A.T.S.E. Local 919. I’ve also worked close with the Rutland County Pride Center, the Downtown Rutland Partnership, area high schools, and many community theater companies. Through these partnerships, I’ve been able to serve the community by assisting in the creation of arts-based experiences. I love being active in my community and working towards bringing positive change!
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I’ve been blessed to be able to work throughout most of North America through my company Dark Shadows Entertainment, and although there are many incredible places, nothing compares to the atmosphere you can only find in Vermont! We are truly a state where you can live, work, and play.
Favorite part of your job: Honestly, I love what I do! I get to work with teams to create and produce art, and I get to witness a wide range of emotions from the audiences. It’s cliché, but it’s the magic of theatre!
Most inspiring mentor and why: My grandmother and my mother. My grandmother is the one who inspired me to get into theatre when I was a kid, and my mother has always been my biggest fan, pushing me to follow my passion. Thank you both for believing in me.
What is the best career advice: The best pieces of career advice I have ever received was from Chad Voghell; “Treat every show, no matter how big or small, like it is the most important show, and you will always have a job” and “treat everyone, no matter how big or small, with the same amount of respect, and you will always have a job”
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I’m a lifelong, diehard Parrothead. Fins Up!
What would most people be surprised to learn about you: The motto that I live my life by came from a 90s television show. “Believe In Yourselves. Dream. Try. Do Good.”
What three words best describe you: Creative. Community. Builder.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is the Falls of Lana/Silver Lake Trail in Salisbury. It’s quiet, peaceful, and the views over Lake Dunmore are gorgeous!
Favorite Vermont season: Fall. Waking up to a crisp morning air, seeing the stunning colors of the trees changing, the beautiful sunsets, what’s not to love?
Favorite downtime activity: I’d say it’s a toss-up between relaxing with a good film and photographing the beauty of Vermont.
Favorite Social Media and why: Facebook, I guess, out of necessity.
What is your favorite smell: The salt air of the ocean in New England.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: I’d love to grab a Vermont cider (or two) with Jon Stewart.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: There are many I would support, but the big one for me is continuing arts education in schools. Many underestimate how important theatre and music are to our daily lives and don’t realize that you can learn every STEM subject (and much more!) through participating in the arts.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: My best friends know my VERY eclectic mix of music, but most may be surprised over how much Sarah McLachlan I have.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: Hopefully continuing to create and produce art and witnessing the wide range of emotions from the audiences.