MARK MCCLEESE

Mark McCleese began training at The Dance Shoppe in Michigan and holds a BA in musical theater performance and a minor in dance from Oakland University. After moving to California he has appeared in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding (San Francisco), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, several TV pilots, and film cameos. As a choreographer he has worked with professional companies, high schools, and community theaters. Most recently he has choreographed Pippin, Drowsy Chaperone (featured tap choreo), A Chorus Line (also playing the role of Larry), and Guys and Dolls with Nicely Theatre Group. He has worked with Waterford Mott, Eisenhower, Frankel Jewish Academy, Culver City (CA), and Westlake (CA) high schools in Fame, Footloose, Throughly Modern Millie, Urinetown, Bye Bye Birdie, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Little Mermaid. Mark also has been on guest faculty and teacher for Oakland University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance program. He spent several years owning his own studio, MDM Dance Project, in Michigan which closed in 2020. His students have appeared in Broadway musicals, cruise ships, film, television, college dance and cheer teams, and concert tours. Currently, Mark choreographs for competitive studios around the country, trains kids at local studios, and is achieving a masters of arts in clinical counseling.