Bio
Mike 'Box' Elder came from humble beginnings, the tall pines and pristine lakes of northern Minnesota. It was while attending the state's University that Box realized he had a passion for entertaining folks. He pursued that outlet as a mascot for the school, performing at numerous events including football and hockey games.
After graduating with an engineering degree, he slowly lost touch with his new-found passion so began taking evening improv classes. After a few years in the corporate world, Box had had enough of the necktie-as-a-noose lifestyle. It was then that Box packed up his studio apartment, along with his hopes and dreams, and drove his Honda Civic to Hollywood.
Since his trek to Tinseltown, Box has started the Box Angeles podcast, taken his improv level to new heights, had one of the longest tenured runs as an UCB intern, was the second favorite server at (the now defunct) iO West, has gone on countless auditions and even nailed a few commercial roles.
Box currently resides in Los Feliz with his hibiscus plant and continues to pursue this silly little thing called show business.
Stats
Resume
Actors Access | LA Casting | IMDb
Training
On Camera Audition Class – Robert D’Avanzo Studios – Los Angeles, CA
Fundamental Intensive Audition Experience – Annie Grindlay Studio – Los Angeles, CA
Template – Billy O’Leary Studios – Los Angeles, CA
Adult Commercial – Killian’s Workshop – Los Angeles, CA
On-Going – John Rosenfeld Studios – West Hollywood, CA
The Commercial Class – 200 South – Los Angeles, CA
Bootcamp – The Clubhouse – Los Angeles, CA
Improv – Upright Citizens Brigade – Hollywood, CA
Improv – iO West – Hollywood, CA
Sketch – Upright Citizens Brigade – Hollywood, CA
Improv – Westside Comedy – Santa Monica, CA
Stand Up – Westside Comedy – Santa Monica, CA
Improv – Brave New Workshop – Minneapolis, MN
Scene Study – Guthrie Theatre – Minneapolis, MN
Mascot – UCA Mascot Camp – Milwaukee, WI
Education
Bachelor of Civil Engineering – University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN
Contact
Manager
Iris Talent Management
Diane Pardoe | diane [at] iristalentmanagement.com
323/363-3803
Theatrical Agent
Saint
Chris Saavedra | chris [at] saintagency.com
310/721-2058
Commercial Agent
Activity
Tim O’Shea | tim [at] activityla.com
818/308-6420
Voiceover Agent
Avalon Artists Group
Ted Maier | ted [at] avalonartists.com
323/692-1700
General
If you have any inquiries or just want to say hello, sup [at] boxangeles.com.
Press
The Box Angeles podcast is critically acclaimed, and not just by Box’ mom. Here are some of the nice things said.
January 2024 – Canvas Rebel – ‘Meet Mike Elder‘
February 2020 – Backstage – ‘26 Podcasts You Should Be Listening to as an Actor‘
August 2018 – Vulture – ‘This Week In Comedy Podcasts‘ – #242: George Basil
“…his method for cracking the show-biz code is kind of genius.”
October 2016 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #151: Todd Glass
“… a compelling episode …”
August 2016 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #142: Ingrid Haas
“… Elder’s increasingly endearing podcast …”
May 2016 – Splitsider – ‘This Week in Comedy Podcasts‘ – #131: Matt Walsh
“Podcasts We’re Listening To.”
February 2016 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #118: Echo Kellum
“… it continues to stand out for its showbiz pragmatism as opposed to any kind of shallow Hollywood glad-handing.”
December 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Best of 2015 Podmass‘
“When talking with the charming, easygoing Elder, [guests] seem immune to pretension.”
October 2015 – Splitsider – ‘This Week in Comedy Podcasts‘ – #100: Scott Aukerman
“Podcasts We’re Listening To.”
October 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #100: Scott Aukerman
“Aukerman eats, sleeps, and breathes comedy … so does Elder.”
September 2015 – Splitsider – ‘This Week in Comedy Podcasts‘ – #094: Kumail Nanjiani
“Mike’s point … is surround [yourself] with people who are better and learn …”
July 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #088: Lauren Lapkus
“… modesty, enthusiasm, and conviviality are still the primary hallmarks of the show.”
July 2015 – Tim Talks – ‘Podcast Review‘
“Elder’s witty banter and mid-western charm facilitates genuine responses from his guests …”
June 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #080: Suzi Barrett
“[Listeners] will probably walk away laughing.”
May 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #077: Dominic Dierkes
“Like most episodes of Box Angeles, it’s another unique take on the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.”
April 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #071 to #073: Cook County Social Club Week
“[Elder]’s becoming one of the best interviewers in the podcasting world.”
February 2015 – The AV Club – ‘Podmass‘ – #061: Milana Vayntrub
“An easygoing conversation … that’s compulsively listenable.”
November 2014 – Splitsider – ‘This Week in Comedy Podcasts‘ – #051: Gil Ozeri
“If you’re trying to make it in Hollywood, you might want to hear what the guests of Box Angeles have to say.”
September 2014 – Splitsider – ‘This Week in Comedy Podcasts‘ – #040: Dorian Frankel
“Podcasts We’re Listening To.”
July 2014 – The Guardian – ‘Best Entertainment Podcasts‘
“It’s a nice reflective look at show business … Box [is] so endearing.”
