When Spencer Davis Milford was in middle school, he began taking dance classes at COCA, spending countless hours in tap class in Kranzberg Studio, which are still some of his fondest memories of his time at COCA.
“I loved that tap class—it pushed me. I was one of the younger ones in the class and looked up to the older kids. I wanted to keep up with them and liked the competition of being challenged.”
Spencer also took ballet with Carrie Fernandez and explored musical theatre dance and jazz with Gina Bon-Perez, whom he credits with helping him become a stronger dancer. He enjoyed the flexibility of being able to take drop-in classes since he couldn’t commit to being at COCA all the time with his schedule.
“At COCA, the training is top notch. It prepared me to be a well-rounded professional…I feel really lucky because of the access to this training—lucky that COCA was here.”
Early in his career at the age of 13, Spencer auditioned for Billy Elliot and recalled the disappointment after not being chosen for the role of Michael despite a lengthy callback process. Spencer was eager to be cast in Billy Elliot—and it was the show that motivated him to focus more on tap dance.
The next year, Spencer was selected to perform in the first national tour of Billy Elliot as Tall Boy and understudy for Michael. The tour kicked off with a long-running engagement in Chicago. Spencer performed every night, never missing a performance.
Choosing to return home to St. Louis to start his freshman year at Webster Groves High School, Spencer booked the role of Rudy in Over the Tavern at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. During his senior year, he moved to New York City and made his Broadway debut as Ronnie Winslow in The Winslow Boy.
“It was so exciting…To be honest, I was really lucky. I didn’t have a lot of rejection as a teenager. I was the title character in this Broadway play—and that experience solidified this is what I wanted to keep pursuing.”
It was opening night of The Winslow Boy that Spencer was introduced to Alexandra Silber, a faculty member at Pace University who encouraged him to attend the school for acting. He then continued his studies in graduate school at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow where he earned a master’s degree in acting/directing classical and contemporary text.
Spencer booked the role of Frodo in the U.S. premiere of the musical The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
“The show was incredible. It was 3 hours long—all three of the books—filled with fighting, singing, dancing…every single night, it was an adventure!… It was the hardest show I’ve ever had to do. It pushed me physcially, vocally, and emotionally…The story continues to be an inspiration for anyone fighting against evil forces…Every day, I loved going to the theatre.”
Spencer has also spent numerous summers on stage at The Muny. A former Muny Kid/Teen, he’s also starred in Dear Evan Hansen, Newsies, 42nd Street, Camelot, and Beautiful.
His first major feature film, Soul on Fire, was released in theatres last fall. Spencer was thrilled to work alongside Joel Courtney, John Corbett, James McCracken, among other talented actors for his role as John O’Leary’s friend, Mike.
Most recently, Spencer starred as Harry Beaton in the new adaptation of Brigadoon that ran May 13–June 14 at Pasadena Playhouse and showcased his tap skills in the Ensemble for Something Rotten at the Muny this summer.
Spencer’s advice to aspiring young artists: “Don’t stop training. As a teen it is so important to develop your skills. Soaking things in… Hustling and training as much as possible is so key. If you really love it, don’t quit.”
“I’m a big believer that if you keep trying to chase it, the opportunities will present themselves. If you sit back and wait for the phone call, then it’s less likely to happen.”
