The Ranger Online

Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: Features

Michael Druck

Attending college is a decision people make at different times in their lives.

The diverse group of students attending this college range from last year's high school graduates to aspiring actors.

Michael Druck, 24, radio-television-film freshman, decided after a brief stint on the reality singing contest show, "American Idol," and "American Idol Rewind," in which past contestants discuss their experience on the show, and assisting in the making of films such as "Compose" and "Dr. S and the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies," to go back to school and chose this college to attend.

"I love SAC. The population is so diverse, and there is always something going on that interests me," Druck said in a March 27 interview.

Druck started out as a young entertainer, performing folklorico-style dances. Folklorico is a traditional Mexican dance in which people rhythmically dance to Mexican music wearing long, extravagant dresses and traditional suits.

By the time Druck was 12 years old, he had performed in more than 300 shows.

"Dancing gave me a good outlet," said Druck. "I got a good take on performing."

At age 18, Druck auditioned for "American Idol, Season 2."

Making it past the first round, Druck went to the second-round audition, where he was greeted, then dismissed by Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

"Paula loved me, Randy was indifferent, and Simon hated me," Druck said. "For about a year after that, I would get stopped on the street by people who recognized me from the show."

Druck's performance was added to the show's "Best of the Worst" series, resulting in more publicity.

After majoring in theater at St. Philip's College, Druck began working as an intern at Calliope Talent Agency. He helped fellow aspiring actors and performers set up auditions and prepare press kits.

Druck admitted that he had fallen for scams people had offered him to put together head shots and press kits for a fee.

"I tell people now who are looking for someone to help them to be aware of the people who are just looking to take your money," Druck said.

Eventually Druck oversaw 200 up-and-coming actors.

Druck said despite his success, there are still setbacks.

Druck recently was chosen as an extra in the movie "Stop/Loss," starring Ryan Phillipe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

"My part was going to be giving Ryan Phillipe some bad news," Druck said. "I went to the studio and received the royal treatment. I even got my own personal assistant."

As the day wore on, Druck waited for his opportunity, but it never came.

"A lady came up to me and said, 'I'm sorry, Mr. Druck, but the director has decided to cut your part,' " Druck said.

Short films Druck has produced have included "Goodbye Digital," a film which Druck and a friend had 24 hours to prepare and film, which won the Digital Student Film award in Seguin, and "Last Chance," which was an eight-hour film contest that won for best actor.

At this year's South By Southwest festival, the trailer for "Dr. S Battles the Sex Crazed Reefer Zombies" premiered.

There were 65 crew members working for free. Some of the crew were recruited from this campus.

Druck said the volunteers would stay awake sometimes until 4 a.m. and then go to their regular jobs.

"I remember staying up so late making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the cast and crew," Druck said. "Everyone was so great. What I love about San Antonio is how the whole city bands together to help with small projects."

The film premiered at the Aztec Film Festival last fall. The movie was about an hour in length and was a rough cut.

He said he decided to finish his degree at this college because of the good things he heard about the radio-television-film department.

Druck said he owes a great deal of his success to his family, who have always applauded his efforts.

Recently Druck interned at PreMadonna productions, an agency devoted to aspiring actors and entertainers. "They teach you more about the actual hard work than the glamour," he said.

Another film, "Spiral," a thriller directed by Bryan Ortiz, premiered at the Luminaria Arts Festival in March.

Actress Sigourney Weaver has been one of Druck's inspirations, he said. Tejano singer Selena was another influence.

"Remember when she died, I remember being a kid and thinking, 'Wow, she was so young.' I just turned 24, and she died right before she turned 24," Druck said.

His advice for students who ask him for help in creating films or becoming an actor is to always do the best you can.

"If you only make one movie in your lifetime, make sure it's the best it can possibly be," Druck said.

For more information on Druck visit his myspace at www.myspace.com/darkwingdruck.

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