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This we interview long time friend, actor, stunt man and martial experts expert Dylan Libby who is currently on tour with Marvel Universe Live as Groot! We dive into the world of theatrical stunts and what it takes to be involved in a production of this magnitude. Dylan dishes on everything from his audition process to focusing on his health and what it means to being play such a beloved character like Groot.

Involvement in a show like Marvel Universe Live is probably not something the average actor considers an opportunity. It’s also not something every actor or actress could participate because of the special physical requirements and skills needed.

Dylan Libby Interview Highlights

Auditioning for Marvel Universe Live

• Confessions of his love for Groot
• Learning to walk on hybrid stilts standing over 9 feet tall
• We reveal Joe’s former teacher / student relationship in theater
• Dylan discusses his martial arts background
• Ditching a traditional education for the patch of acting at Adelphi
• How he found out about the audition through Backstage.com
• Levering martial arts to nail his first round of auditions
• Taking off from work to build his own stilts and nail the role
• Building a team around him and a support group was key to his success
• We discuss the rise of Guardians of the Galaxy

Landing the Role of Groot in Marvel Universe Live

• The audition process took over 2 years where he focused on yoga, fitness and healthy eating
• Before rehearsals began, costuming took up a considerable amount of time
• Fun Fact: The guy who made Groot also made Bear in the Big Blue House
• The show was rehearsed for 2 months at Feldman Entertainment Studios
• A soft launch debuted in New Orleans for 3 weeks before taking it on the road
• The grand opening took place in Los Angeles
• The cast is like one big family and they teach other skills to build each other up

Have questions for Dylan about Marvel Universe Live or what it’s like to play Groot? Leave us a note in the comments.