Maximilian Koger

Biography: I’m an actor and singer based out of the Asheville, North Carolina area. Born in Stuart, Florida and raised in Statesville, North Carolina, I’ve had a passion for performing from the age of 14. I’m an avid gardener and try my best to lead an active, healthy life, even though cookie butter seems to taunt me endlessly. I’ve always had a wide-eyed perspective, wanting to learn more about this world and the people that walk it. I jump at the opportunities to inhabit the mind of someone else and bring it to life, transporting an audience to another time and place. I also feel that music is one of the most intimate and raw ways to express yourself and tell your story. There are so many stories out there to tell and so many chances to learn. Everyone, especially the youth of our world, need to be exposed to theatre for one of the same reasons I am drawn to it: you are driven to access the EMPATHY within yourself, a trait that is timeless and endlessly useful as a human being and as an actor. On top of all of that, it’s just so much fun. The people I’ve met through my time as a performer endlessly amaze and inspire me. Those are just some of the reasons I am diving full force into this industry of “NO.” The importance and honor of doing this work keeps me resilient. There is always another door waiting to be opened. I played my very first named role sophomore year of high school, which was Sir Harry in Once Upon A Mattress. Something about bordering the line of romance, AUTHENTICITY, sincerity, and absurdity (on stage and off) feels natural to me. That silly show is what made me realize nothing else would give me the same sense of comfort and joy as a stage would. I studied Musical Theatre at Western Carolina University. There, I performed in multiple musicals, radio shows, student films, and showcases. I adopted a mentality where I promised to never limit myself to one specific aspect of the arts. As long as I remain connected to art in some way, I will always lead a full and happy life as the best version of myself. After my move to Asheville, one of the most artistically stimulating towns I’ve encountered thus far, my transition into theatre truly took off. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been working consistently in Asheville and the surrounding areas as a professional performer ever since. My DRIVE has been slowed at times in this sometimes disheartening industry, but never fully halted. With each new opportunity, it grows more and more.