Director of Senior Fall Prevention for the Department of Health
I’ve met a real-life magician and his name is Stan Michaels. Under his support, Hawaii has grown to be a leader in fall prevention programs in the country—mostly tai chi classes. Around the world, practicing tai chi is the leading senior fall prevention exercise method, according to Michaels.
This means more people can move, socialize, stay healthy, and live a higher-quality life for years longer. More time to expand a business, write a memoir, travel, and spend time with family.
Stan can see a goal or idea in his head and pull together the people and resources to make it happen. Stan creates something from nothing.
He started in college by transforming from a baseball and football scholarship jock at San Diego State into an actor and theater set designer.
Want a volcano or loudly slamming door on-stage? He’ll make it. Want a certain effect or impression in a scene? Stan can do it.
Actor, singer, set designer, director, photographer, carpenter, builder—Stan was all things over 22-1/2 years in professional theater. He worked and travelled all over the United States, living briefly in Las Vegas before returning to Hawaii. He had just completed all requirements for a Master of Fine Arts at the University of Hawaii when his career suddenly stalled. Nevertheless, Stan always finds a way, and he recovered.
Whereas some might say: "That’s not my job" or "It’s not possible."
Stan says: "How can I help?" "How can we make this happen?" "What do you need?" And with such positivity and leadership, others want to join the dream.
Although he has no children, each project, promotion, and play receives all his paternal attention, energy, and affection.
photo of Kona Theatre by granola on Cinema Treasures
A few projects he is especially proud of include:
v Producing and starring in Man of La Mancha* at Kona Theater to honor Hawaii Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka
v Helping to revitalize Honolulu Community Theatre as managing director, and aiding its transformation into Diamond Head Theatre
v Creating a series of public service announcements in three languages about flu immunizations for the Marshallese, Chuukese, and Pohnpaens
v Promoting Michael Jordan and T. Rex IMAX movies which resulted in a brother and sister winning a trip to Michael Jordan’s basketball camp and student artists’ dinosaur drawings blown up to 30"-40" prints for display in the IMAX theater
He admits that his acting and set design background taught him how to craft compelling, memorable Department of Health messages and fall prevention presentations.
I called Stan Dr. Strange (Marvel comics superhero magician) in the headline because of his remarkable ability to draw together who and what is needed using the power of his personality and vision.
But the loving heart that he brings to all his endeavors may be the secret source of his power.
We are lucky that Stan Michaels calls Hawaii home, and luckier still for all the other Aloha-filled souls who do so as well.
*Man of La Mancha was the production choice because it was Ellison Onizuka’s favorite, he was raised on a coffee farm several miles from the Kona Theatre, and a cassette tape of the musical was his one personal item brought onboard his last mission.
By Wendi Lau
Kelvin’s Note:
"But the loving heart that he brings to all his endeavors may be the secret source of his power."
For those of us honored and privileged to get to know Stan, his loving heart is no secret.