From Pitbull to two back-to-back winners on FOX’s national dance reality competition So You Think You Can Dance, Miami has been producing popular artists who have lived and studied in “The 305.”
Miami native Miguel Luciano recently got his big break as the antagonist on the Nickelodeon show Talia in the Kitchen and is giving back to young students that were just like him.
The young actor, who studied at South Miami Middle and Coral Reef Senior High, started his community and professional theater career at that time.
“I learned very quickly that it was important to learn the craft; you can’t just perform on stage without knowing the technique and skill set, Luciano said.
Luciano has done more than 25 shows with the Miami Children’s Theatre in Kendall and later went on to direct several musicals there.
A year later and 40 episodes filmed of Talia in the Kitchen, he is teaching theater where he started — at South Miami K-8 Center for the Expressive Arts, an exclusive magnet program for the third, fourth, and fifth grades.
“I guest taught at the school before I was on Nickelodeon, so it’s great to hear the kids I worked with talk about how their dreams seem more accessible because their mentor made his own dreams come true. It’s a cool experience for all of us involved,” Luciano said.
He attributes a great deal of his success to Ana Montoya, the school’s Magnet Lead Teacher and drama teacher.
“She helped me flourish and always supported me when I needed a hand, professionally and personally,” Luciano said.
He continues to audition and perform on his off time in Miami whenever an opportunity calls. Until then, you can find him in the middle of a large group of small kids, conducting an improvisational scene, or on Instagram, @themiguelluciano.
The Third Grade Mini Play Showcase will be performed at South Miami K-8, 6800 SW 60 St., on Apr 7 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8 at the door.
The End of the Year Show will be on May 21 at the Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW First St., on May 21 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door.
