Saint Louis University alumnus Mike Isaacson did not initially think that he could have a future in theatre. Despite his initial thoughts, Isaacson now works as the Associate Producer at the Fox Theatre and will be joining the Muny as its executive producer in April 2011.
In the past 14 years, Isaacson has produced over 15 Broadway plays, musicals, national tours and London productions. He and his partner, Kristin Caskey, have produced multiple hits including “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and the revivals of “Death of a Salesman” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” as well as “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” During his time at the Fox as the Vice President of Programming and the Associate Producer, Isaacson brought more than 100 musicals and plays to theatre.
Isaacson will make the move to the Muny in April 2011, where he will begin working as the executive producer for the outdoor theatre’s 2012 season.
How did this SLU English major become part of the St. Louis theatre scene?
When Isaacson first began his involvement with theatre in junior high, he did not have any interest in being on stage.
“I was always interested in the business of it,” Isaacson said.
Originally intending to attend a university closer to the theatre scene of New York City, Isaacson was offered a scholarship from SLU that he could not refuse.
When Isaacson attended SLU, the theatre program did not produce any musical theatre productions, so he took this responsibility upon himself. He and his friends started a theatre group, where Isaacson produced shows like “Grease” and “Godspell.” They were the first group to use the Xavier Chapel as a Black Box Theatre, which is its current status.
After graduation, Isaacson landed a public relations job for McDonnell-Douglas. He also held various jobs at SLU, including the position of Biondi’s assistant.
During this period of time, Isaacson wrote reviews for the Riverfront Times in order to receive free tickets to shows.
His initial job at the Fox was the result of a suggestion from a friend to take the president of Fox Associates out to lunch.
“I told him my situation, and he suggested I come to work for him,” Isaacson said.
Isaacson credits his success in part to his past at SLU.
“You better think big,” he said. “I learned a lot from Biondi. He has huge visions and shares them.”
Isaacson relates the Muny to SLU in that they both require an understanding of the history and a drive to move forward.
“As executive producer, I’ll be responsible for everything that’s on the stage and bringing together the creative talent,” Isaacson said. “I look forward to working for this generational, historical institution. It is unlike any other in the world.”
As a SLU alumnus and a St. Louis resident for over 20 years, Isaacson has some valuable advice to offer to students:
“Art is essential to one’s development. One of the real gifts [of the University] is its location. [Students] don’t understand everything they can do in this phase of life. With more weight of responsibilities, you will kill for the opportunities that you had at SLU,” Isaacson said.
