Glenn Douglas Packard

Glenn Douglas Packard is no stranger to reality television. In fact, he first captured attention as Brooke Hogan’s GBFF in two seasons of the hit VH1 reality series, “Brooke Knows Best,” from 2008 to 2009.

Much has happened since then for the Emmy nominated choreographer. He worked heavily in the Latin music industry, collaborating with major artists such as Ricky Martin, Daddy Yankee, Fanny Lu, Prince Royce, Chino Y Nacho, and many of the Latino award shows.

Shortly thereafter, Packard, along with his business partner Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees, had the idea for a Las Vegas male revue show like no other. Brought to life in a fresh new way, “Men of the Strip” is a hit with gay men and women alike.

Packard will return to the world of TV this June, when E! gives a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the sexy new show from the auditions and casting, to the distinctive choreography, dance training, and all of the drama among the hunky male performers, during the network’s two-hour docusoap special, “Men of the Strip,” premiering Sunday, June 1 at 10 p.m. / 9 CT.

The docusoap follows this journey as Packard and Timmons wrap up their grassroots U.S. tour and prep for their first Vegas performance, in hopes of finding a residency on the famed strip. From casting for a new member and dealing with personal relationships, to grueling rehearsals and juggling private and professional lives, the reality event culminates in their make-or-break Vegas performance. Cameras capture all the action as the testosterone-fueled performers give it their all for adoring fans – while taking it all off!

We recently sat down with the man who has worked with some of the biggest acts in entertainment, including Michael Jackson, Timbaland, Pink, Missy Elliot, Marc Anthony and Usher, to ask him a few questions about his new show.

Glenn, what came first – the chicken or the egg? Or, in your case, the show itself or the idea for the docusoap?
The “Men of the Strip” stage show came first. After the movie “Magic Mike,” and as I was wrapping “Brooke Knows Best.” I was thinking it would be great to document the entire project. Then I got a call from Jeff Timmons, and the rest is stripper history.

Do you think gay male audiences have always enjoyed watching male revue shows – even when they catered mainly to female audiences?
Yes they do. It’s naked men entertaining an audience. But I do think it’s time for us gays to have our own male revue show in Vegas, and I plan on making that happen with a group I have called “Boots n Boys.” But first I need to get “Men of the Strip” up and running.

The recent film “Magic Mike” was no doubt a huge success. But before that, male revue shows hadn’t been much in vogue since Chippendales. Why do you think “Magic Mike” resonated so well with international audiences, and how do you think it has changed the dynamic of the male revue show?
It was hot guys taking off their clothes. The story line sucked, but that didn’t stop the ratings. The view of a man’s package and ass is a powerful thing. “Magic Mike” made stripping part of pop culture in a world where male strippers were considered a taboo subject. I was ready to jump on that stripper train.

In fact, you worked on the 25th anniversary of Chippendales, correct? What was that like?
It was great. It was a fresh start to reinventing the brand. It was in NYC, and it was such a success that they had me put them up in Las Vegas at the Rio Casino.

Your career started in New York City at the Alvin Ailey School of Dance. What was it like studying there, and what did you learn that you have applied to “Men of the Strip?”
Good question, which brings back the memories of being a crazy dancer with so much passion for the art, I would walk down the streets of NYC barefoot! So I could be part of the earth! What was I thinking back then? You should have seen how black my feet were by the end of the day. They’re two very different things, but the two things they have in common are great male athletic physiques and discipline. I would be in five classes a day sometimes, putting my body through its limits as a trained dancer, and I have been able to teach my guys the importance of discipline to become a stronger performer. They do my stripper bootcamp, which makes their bodies stronger and more flexible for more range of movement and less injuries. Also, I’m always trying to lean them out, to have a more dancer type of body then that old bodybuilder stripper look that i don’t like.

For more information on Glenn Douglas Packard and “Men of the Strip,” visit www.menofthestrip.com or www.glenndouglaspackard.com. Follow Glenn’s adventures at instagram @glennpackard.