From Rabun Gap to LA, Micah Cyrus '04 has forged an impressive path in the entertainment industry. After earning a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Cinematic Arts from the University of Southern California, he began his career in International Film Distribution at Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate, managing film titles across Latin America. Micah's passion for storytelling led them to UCLA’s prestigious Screenwriting program, where he honed his craft before advancing from Writer’s Assistant to Producer on acclaimed television shows like "All American." Micah's time at Rabun Gap, particularly the Theater program and MADFest, played a pivotal role in shaping his creative journey and fueling his dreams.

 

 

Tell us what you have been doing since graduating from Rabun Gap?
I graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2008 with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Cinematic Arts. My career in entertainment started at Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate in International Film Distribution where I worked with a team of six to oversee the marketing & distribution of Summit and Lionsgate film titles in Latin America. Years later, I enrolled in a graduate program at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) where I earned a Certificate in Screenwriting from their School of Theater, Television and Film. After the program’s completion, I served as a Writer’s Assistant on the Fox medical drama, “The Resident”, followed by the Starz series Step Up Highwater, and most recently, the Warner Bros Television/CW drama, All American. I was promoted to Staff Writer on All American in Season 3 and moved up the ranks to
Producer in Season 7.

What is something interesting about you that we wouldn't find on your resume?
I’ve taken an interest in scuba diving after being inspired by my professional diver-turned influencer cousin, Gabby Shepard, and spend as much time as possible outside of writing in the water.

How did Rabun Gap help to prepare you or influence your future goals?
The Theater program and specifically MADFEST had a huge impact on my career trajectory as it opened my eyes to the arts and the limitless ways I could express myself. I will never forget winning Best in Show for MadFest my junior year for a scene I wrote starring fellow RGNS alumnus, Kelvin Dinkins. This was one of the pinnacle moments to realizing that I had stories to tell and should further invest in the art of writing.

 

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Rabun Gap?
One of my favorite memories was a trip to New York with our dance program orchestrated by former faculty member, Andrea Martinez. It was an eye-opening experience to attend a Broadway musical, take classes at famous dance studios, and explore one of the richest arts communities in the world.

Is there a specific faculty member, dorm parent, or coach who had a particularly
important impact on you?
There are three faculty members who’ve had a lasting impact on me to this day. The first is Spanish teacher, Mrs. Elena Carlson, who was one of the most patient, caring, and intelligent people I knew at RGNS. She helped me tap into a love for language that would later be the impetus for securing my first job in the entertainment industry as it was paramount that I was fluent in Spanish to work for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate. The second is my Algebra II teacher, Mr. Andrew Jaffe, who challenged me to conquer a subject I had long struggled with during my life. Mr. Jaffe found creative ways to deconstruct concepts I would’ve otherwise found impossible to understand. Lastly, Mrs. Kathy Hennings was a gem of a human who was intentional about forming a curriculum that made space to explore and learn about Black authors and literature.

What advice do you have for current Rabun Gap students that you wish someone had told you during your time at school?
Learn as much as you can from people with backgrounds unfamiliar to you. Our lens to understanding and expanding our worldview begins by breaking bread together, not staying within a familiar bubble our whole lives.

What would you like to see happen at Rabun Gap in the next 10 years?
I’d love to see the expansion in the arts with a multimedia focus and specifically within film and television. Georgia is rapidly becoming a booming industry leader within entertainment compliments of tax incentives and there are a plethora of opportunities to partner with studios in Atlanta and surrounding cities to help students know they can pursue a career right in their school’s home state if they so wish to do so.