Since one o'clock. [Oh, wait, that's my answer at festivals.] Actually, I discovered origami as an art form probably around 1983.

That's two questions. The second will cost you extra. (1) Very well, thank you. (2) Practice, practice, and of course, practice.

Hey! That's two questions . . . oh, I give up. Yes, I do parties. You will see that I work in a wide variety of venues and situations if you go to my Clients & Venues page. In order to give you a accurate price quote we will have to know more details (like how much is in your portfolio?). If you do want to explore the possibility of an engagement, just contact the agency or organization who refered you to this site. I'm so desperate for work I've instructed them to actually contact you back right away!

Yes. However, many of the origami designs I fold were developed by other origami artists. Some are the classics from Japan -- origami designs which have been passed down from generation to generation -- and a few are designed by me. As a folder, I am similar to a musician who interprets the composer's (origami designer's) composition. I give an artistic interpretation to the design and sometimes add my own embellishments. Go to my LINKS page to link to some of the composers' sites. There are also other links of interest there.

Yes. If you are interested in hosting a hands-on origami class at your college, school, recreation center, church, party, day-camp, summer camp, retreat, etc. just contact us (hey, bring Darrell along, he and I can trade origami moves, play Dueling Creases, see who can take the most paper cuts, have a race and see who's creased lightning. . . ).

Yes, depending on the setting and your desires and budget. I can teach some basics (or advanced if needed). Between myself, the MicRo Gallery, and Origami Activitiy Stations I have a number of interactive attractions. I have a guessing game where the guests can look at unfolded pieces and are challenged to match the crease patterns to models on the MicRo Gallery. I have origami "action figures" with which guests can "play". There's a tangram. And, of course, there are step by step instructions and paper supplies (and assistance from me if needed) for a simple design which even mere mortals can successfully make into an origami sculpture. All this while I casually walk around entertaining folks with dazzling finger work, folding intricate and exquisite origami and handing out these beautiful pieces of art as keepsakes to thrilled guests. [OK, so I have a bit of an ego. Hey, I'm an artist, what can I say!]

Actually that's not a frequently asked question, but I know it can be a concern for those who expect a large attendance and want an emphasis on the "keepsake" feature of my presentations, so here are some numbers: I typically fold 15 - 25 origami art pieces per hour (similar to the pace of a good caricature artist or a balloon artist doing more artistic and elaborate pieces). However, if you desire more here are a few options:
1. I can fold mostly simpler designs and prepare a few more intricate pieces ahead of time and/or bring an assistant to increase volume output.
2.The agency/planner can coordinate with an additional artist/entertainer (or two or three) for me to team up with to provide a variety of artistic mementos for your event guests.
3: You simply hire me to do more hours.
For pricing details just shoot off an email or call the planner/agency.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Not every guest desires a keepsake, but they all appreciate the "Wow!" factor of Folder Fantastique, Michael Roy. With his expertise in the oriental art of origami, developed through thousands of hours over many years of study, training, and practice; and embellished with theatrical, magical, and circus arts his magical and manic manipulations transform the square to extraordinaire. Michael Roy brings a fine and fun flair for focus on flying phalanges, folding flat into fantastic, creating exquisite, intricate, art pieces right before the eyes of your astonished guests. In addition he keeps crowds captivated with his self-standing MicRo Gallery (an attraction in itself) which serves as shorthand for introducing Michael Roy's work to the milling crowds and gives guests suggestions of what folded-art keepsakes he can create for them. Working with the "Gallery" also enables Michael Roy to engage individuals in interactive games and puzzles as a way to "win" some of the more advanced pieces.

OK, that was three questions, now you're really getting irritating. Yes I am, yes I do, and no I don't. Juggling can be part of a package deal when you hire me as a strolling origami entertainer for an engagement. But if you want a juggler sans the origami (sans, for you who had your head on the desk that day, means without), I cannot accommodate you. At this time I am not doing stage work, only interactive, strolling, and close-up entertainment with an emphasis on the wonder and amazement of origami. If you really need a stand up presention for a modest sized group, consider one of my origami workshops which does include a brief stand up presention.

Poof! Your auntie is now one of Michael Roy's exquisite origami sculptures. (OK, I know, it's like my sons tell me, "Dad, your publicity says you're a quick wit; it does not say your wit is funny.") Anyway to answer your question: sure, you can order as many of Michael Roy's origami art pieces as you want. They make great special and unique hand-crafted gifts for all your friends, family, fellow employees, clients, boss, enemies, the mailman . . . you have the idea. Keep in mind that if you are ordering bulk for a wedding or special event I do need some warning (i.e. order early!). Go to my Repertoire page, make your choices and send an Email with your order. Phssssssst, if you happen to show up at one of my appearances I make all of the models on the spot and give away many of these models (one per person), no cost to you. So, you can get your auntie a thrilling piece of art for FREE! Or better yet, bring her to the event too and you both can witness the production of an origami sculpture right before your eyes and you each can take one home to cherish for years to come!

I maintain a day job as a graphic designer and illustrator so I don't currently tour extensively. Most of my engagements are within a limited radius (e.g. Cleveland, OH, Akron, OH, Canton, OH, Youngstown, OH, Toledo, OH, Columbus, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Erie, PA, Northern WV and surrounding regions). If you have an event at a farther distance I am still open to the possibility. And don't let my day job interfere with your plans. As long as you book far enough in advance I make arrangements accordingly. Just give us a call or email.

Yes. I book my own engagements. Yes. I use agencies. Yes. That was two questions. Yes. I gave you one answer. I am on the roster of a number of Entertainment Agencies, Artist Agencies, and Event Planners, so I am often booked through their services. Booking a Michael Roy's Cirque du Papier engagement is straight forward and easy. Just contact the agency who linked you to this site. We'll hammer out the details of making that next event of yours the best ever (since I will be there). You won't be disappointed. And if you are? Hey, it's only entertainment! Or, better yet, consider it "Performance Art" (you know, like that stuff where the performance artist smears peanut butter all over his body and then recites the Iliad in hip hop while standing on his head . . . although hmm maybe . . . add a little paper folding. . . Oh, and by the way, it does not save you any money or hassle to book me direct. Due to my busy schedule, it is very helpful (for me and you) to have an engagement coordinator to do that work for me.

Typically, 3 to 6 months or more is a safe amount of time. However, occasionally I still have open dates within a shorter time span. So call or email anytime. You can find out my current schedule by going to my SCHEDULE page.

I am happy you asked [boy was that a spontaneous out-a-the-blue question!]. Yes, it is easy to accommodate my technical needs. When you book a Michael Roy's Folding Paper Art engagement you will receive a contract with an attached page of technical specifics which, in essence, simply asks for approximately 10 feet by 10 feet of well lighted space and approximately 60 minutes for load-in and set-up and 60 minutes for tear-down and load-out. This will accommodate the MicRo Gallery, Origami & Puzzle Activity Stations, and room for my interaction with guests. In other words I am more or less "self-contained". In some settings I do not use the MicRo Gallery at all (i.e. some private parties, where I am strolling, doing table to table, and the like). You can download a sample of my tech RIDER from my Promo & Photos page.

Yes, I am primarily a close-up and strolling entertainer. Origami lends itself nicely to the intimacy of a "right before your eyes!" kind of performance. There is something to be said for getting to view the performance from the "front row" and getting to interact directly with the artist, and see "how he does it" (though, like watching a close-up magician, you will still be befuddled). The intricacies of the art are not easily appreciated in a stage setting. However, that being said, after years of preparation, I now offer a stand-up/workshop presentation for modest sized gatherings. The program begins with a 30 minute fun and funny presentation of the magic of the folded square, and morphs into a 60 minute origami workshop. Total program time is 90 minutes. Abbreviated versions are also available. Contact me for details.

First of all, that is not a frequently asked question, but since you asked, I have been awarded many times . . . OK, maybe three or four . . . OK, I can think of one . . . maybe two . . . Oh! Wait, wait! It's coming back to me. Just a few years ago (1998 to be exact) I received a letter from Who's Who Among American High School Students "Honoring Tomorrow's Leaders Today" . Here's how the letter started:

Dear Michael,
Congratulations. I am pleased to inform you that because of your fine academic achievements, you have been nominated for honorary award recognition and to have your biography published in WHO'S WHO AMONG AMERICA'S HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, 1997-98.

And it went on from there. Of course I didn't take them up on the honor seeing as how I am a rather modest and humble boy from Eastern Kentucky. OK, so it was a low point in my career and I didn't have the funds, and besides it came a few years after the fact (I graduated Class of "73 from Johnson Central High School in Paintsville, Kentucky, 56th in grade standing). Hey, wait, I did win the Johnson Central High School Talent Show in 1973 and second place in '71. And I did win first place in a talent show in Escondido, California at a shopping center (it came with a $250 prize, which meant my landlord was paid on time that month). All seriousness aside though, I also received an award for my graphic work: Indiana Bankers Association & The American Bankers Association Marketing Network Mega Conference - Maxi Award for Best Outdoor Advertisement (which, I think, should get the award for the longest award title). And I did win a scholarship to the CIA, otherwise know as the Cleveland Institute of Art. However, due to life circumstances at the time I did not take them up on it. Hey, I think that does it. I can't remember any other awards off the top of my head, but if I do, you'll be the first to know.

I use a wide variety of papers in many colors. My decision of which to use is based on finding the most appropriate paper type for each model that creates the best end result. The criteria includes such factors as: the simpler the design the thicker the paper can be in ratio to the width and height. I use traditional, commercially available origami paper imported from Japan, which has color and/or a pattern printed on one side and is white on the other. I use memory-book (scrapbooking) paper which is similar, but is usually larger (12" X 12") and a heavier weight. I use large art paper (e.g. watercolor, pastels). I find that even photocopy/inkjet paper works very well for certain models. I also use a variety of paper odds-and-ends randomly discovered here and there and especially at an area discount paper store (Hollos Paper Craft in Brunswick, Ohio). And of course, in the spirit of "going green", I have always cut squares, from my old Rand McNally Road Atlases (from my days of touring the world) which make some really cool designs. I also use colorful printed ads, otherwise known as "junk mail". I even rescue papers from my graphic design day job before they hit the recycle bins, and old blue prints from a neighboring architecture firm. In other words, it is the most fuel and resource efficient "recycled" paper. It is simply reused paper (recycling old school). The characteristic that all these papers have in common is they are all able to withstand repeated folding and unfolding without tearing (up to a point).

I have not found any one to be most popular. A person's choice seem to depend on the subject matter and/or the individual's personal preference of aesthetic. In other words, if they are really into elephants then they will ask for an elephant. If they are really into buzzards then they will ask for a buzzard. If they are really into ostriches then they will ask . . . well you have the idea. Sometimes someone will request something and then a different model will capture their attention (and apparently, their affection) and they will change the request.

Well, currently I would have to say the humming bird (a Michael LaFosse design). It is a challenge and fun to fold, with beautiful results. And besides, I'm really into humming birds (see above answer). I don't think the image I have on this site does the model justice. You have to be there. I usually make it approximately life size, which of course, adds to the challenge. Fingers need to be nimble and acrobatic. I call folding designs of this complexity and diminutive size: "cirque du papier".

OK, my turn. You gave me one question and I will give you two answers. (1) The one I have not practiced lately is usually the most difficult. (2) The most complex design I fold is the snowball. It has the most creases and is extremely complex. Yet, I can fold it so fast it's like creased lightning. And if you unfold two of the models you will see that the crease pattern is much like snowflakes, no two are alike. A wonderful mystery to behold!

I am glad you asked. Yes, my work fits theme events very well. Since I have a diverse portfolio of origami art, I can execute many folding pieces appropriate to your party's theme. Check out my THEME EVENTS page for more details. Then give us a call or send an email and I will set up a plan to provide pertinent paper party "pets" and favors fitting your fun, festive event! Even when you don't have a specific theme for your special occasion, keep in mind that due to the "magical" and colorful character of origami, it's already a natural fit where truly fun entertainment is the only theme you need.

You never give up on sneaking that extra question in do you? You're good! I didn't acquire an interest in origami from seeing anything in God's heaven (as far as I know). But I do think He (i.e. God) finds origami to be really cool, even cooler than the internet. I believe my interest in the art form stems from my temperament and gifts. I have always enjoyed puzzles, visual art, working with my hands, and novelty - especially 3D stuff - and I think origami blends all of these beautifully. How I learned was primarily from books and instruction sheets. I did learn one design from a waitress at a Chinese buffet and a couple of designs from video, but the vast bulk of my learning has been, and continues to be, from books.