Name: Paul Bigot
Age: Is this necessary? Okay, fine. 30ish.
Where did you grow up? The Redneck Riviera: a small beach town in Florida called Fort Walton Beach.
Where do you live? I’m an Uptown girl…Minneapolis.
Who do you live with? This hook-up from four years ago that won’t leave. Plus two dogs. And a Fox.
What is your occupation? Hair and makeup designer at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, wig technician at the Guthrie Theater, and an independent hair and makeup designer at various theaters.
When did you come out? At the age of 16.
How’d that go? My mother was fairly accepting. I told my father that it took me 16 years to deal with it, so he had 16 years to get over it. Then I never wanted to hear another word after that. And…he did.
When do you wake up? In a perfect world: noon. In reality: 8:00 a.m.
Phone alarm or alarm clock? Phone alarm…five alarms with an hour of snoozing.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning? Take the dogs out, question why I live where it’s cold, and tip-toe around my partner who really gets to sleep until noon.
Breakfast? Sure…you buying?
Coffee? I start every morning with a wonderful cup of coffee at Twin Cities Leather (shameless plug for my partner who sleeps until noon).
Cream or no? Cream and honey.
How do you spend your commute: Not sure, I just zone out…then wake up and I’m there.
If your job were like a yearbook, what would you be voted? I really was voted “most likely to succeed” in high school. Today, “most likely to break out in song and dance.”
What inspires you? Talent. I admire people who pursue their craft…there is no small role in theater.
Do you eat your lunch while working or take a break? While working. Who has time for a break? Especially after all my songs and dance numbers.
Is your work space tidy or a hot mess? Please. “Hot mess” is an understatement. I literally have things scattered all over the metro and in my car.
What’s been your favorite job? I toured the country with numerous national tours of Broadway shows for almost eight years. Of that, La Cage Aux Folles was my favorite. Gay men, drag queens, and 1970s hair — what more could you want?
Who are your heroes? Anyone who pursues their dream in the arts when they were told their whole life it was only a hobby.
Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out, or cook in? Cook in. The only reason I let my partner sleep in is because he’s a fabulous cook and I come home to great meals.
Most embarrassing moment: When female actresses realize I get embarrassed by boobies while changing their wigs and costumes. It then becomes a teasing free-for-all.
On a usual weeknight, you are doing what? Getting everyone ready for a show. Taking on and off sweaty wigs. Making sure everyone looks good going on stage.
Bedtime: Usually between 1:00 and 3:00 a.m., after winding down from work.
Favorite weekend activity: Haha, what’s a weekend? I work when everyone else is having fun…and am free while you’re in a cubicle.
Words of wisdom to share: I started out in this business as a dancer and was badly injured very young. I thought my career in this industry was over. I was later given the chance to go backstage and work. I found a new way to be involved in this industry that I love. I’ve achieved more success this way and feed my passions. My advice is not to become so focused on a single path that you miss opportunities to still achieve your goals, and then fail to realize your dreams.