Name: Mikaela Fleming
Year: Senior, graduating 2016
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: English
HC: How did you become host of Port City Spotlight?
MF: I joined TealTV last year when I transferred to UNCW as a junior. I was extremely passionate about acting and television production so it seemed like the perfect fit. I began as the assistant producer for the show Seahawk Scoop and wrote stories and performed in a few skits. In the spring semester I was promoted and became a co-host for the Seahawk Scoop. I learned that TealTV was creating a brand new lifestyles show for the following year so I knew I had to audition! I was ecstatic when I was hired! I spent my summer planning upcoming episodes and picked out the name!
HC: What is your vision for Port City Spotlight?
MF: I like to say I’m Wilmington’s “quirky tour guide or personal agenda.” I want to use my show to spotlight local business, restaurants, and music venues. I want to give a platform for local musicians and for UNCW students to showcase their various talents. There is a multitude of talent in our area and I believe it deserves to be shown! I hope students begin to explore Wilmington after watching my show and, in the process, support local businesses!
HC: What is your favorite part about being the host of Port City Spotlight?
MF: I love working with my writing team each week to explore Wilmington and write informative and fun stories. I have an excuse to go out to see concerts, eat at spectacular restaurants, and check out the bars! I also love being in the studio filming the episodes. I love interviewing people and reading from a teleprompter.
HC: What has your favorite episode been so far?
MF: My favorite episode was my third episode “The Musical Episode”. It featured my favorite café in Wilmington, Grinder’s Café. This past summer I performed spoken word at their open mic nights, and now I occasionally sing there with another local musician. We filmed interviews during one of the open mic nights and filmed the performers. In the studio, I interviewed UNCW student and performer Kevin Earl and had him perform one of his original songs.
HC: What are other projects are you involved with now?
MF: I am a host for the new political broadcast show, Wingspan, with UNCW. I’ve had the opportunity to interview politicians like Mayor Saffo and District Attorney Ben David. I am also a public speaking tutor with the University Learning Center. I record voice-over narration for teaching videos for The Watson School of Education. I perform at poetry slams and sing around Wilmington.
HC: What is your favorite role/favorite project you’ve ever had/worked on?
MF: My favorite project was working as an actress in the musical Dreamgirls at The Muny in St.Louis. I got to work beside some of my favorite theatre performers like Jennifer Holiday and Christopher Jackson. I earned my equity card with that show and began working in professional theatre.
HC: What do you love most about performance?
MF: I love having the opportunity to connect with an audience. If I’m able to make my audience feel something, then I’ve accomplished my goal. Whether I’m singing, acting, or dancing I always want to make sure I’m entertaining. I also love being able to become different characters. I get to explore new personalities that I wouldn’t be able to do in my normal life. I am my happiest when I’m in front of a camera or on stage.
HC: When all eyes aren’t on you on camera or on stage, what do you most enjoy doing?
MF: When I’m not performing you can usually find me cuddling with cats or looking up cat videos. You might also find me sitting downtown by the river with my poetry notebook writing.
HC: What do you want to do after graduating?
MF: As long as I’m pursing something in a creative field, I will be happy! I hope to continue working in musical theatre and voice acting. I also want to work on my slam poetry and writing as well.
HC: Any advice for aspiring performers?
MF: Performance is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers out there. There will be days where you question why you picked such a difficult passion. But remember that it is your passion! The hard work will pay off when you hear the cheers from the audience or watch your first episode. Take every opportunity to train and perform.
HC: Collegiettes, take note!
Want to watch episodes of Port City Spotlight and other TealTV shows?
Check out TealTV’s Youtube channel and follow TealTV on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Want to learn more about Mikaela? Check her out here!
Twitter: @MikaelaFleming
Facebook: Mikaela Fleming
Photos courtesy of Mikaela Fleming.