MICHAEL LIPP has called Jacksonville home since moving to Northeast Florida in 1984 from Connecticut, where this Yankee was born and bred. Michael has directed and performed in over 75 local productions during those 30-plus years at most of the area's community, educational, and professional theatres. His critically-acclaimed direction has been seen at Theatre Jacksonville, Players by the Sea, Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre, The 5 & Dime, Orange Park Community Theatre, and Limelight Theatre in St. Augustine, among others. Michael also directed Peter Pan and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying for the FSCJ Wilson Center's Summer Musical Theatre Experience. During the day, he is a charter faculty member at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, where he has taught Math, Science, and Musical Theatre, and currently teaches Honors and AP Physics. Although he's "show people" at heart, Michael received his Master's degree in Molecular Biology from Vanderbilt University. In his spare time (and when he's not at the theatre as a director, actor, or audience member!), Michael enjoys reading, film, and writing. His work as a budding playwright has received a number of public readings and two of his one-acts placed in local playwriting competitions. Michael looks forward to spreading the good word about the talented folks of the Jacksonville theatre scene on BroadwayWorld.com!
In the summer of 2009, local businessman Craig Smith took a huge gamble on Jacksonville's failing Alhambra Dinner Theatre, which had decided to close its doors after 42 years of production.
Tyrone, the most 'shallow, violent, foul-mouthed puppet' comes to shocking life in Robert Askins' play HAND TO GOD at Players by the Sea Theatre in Jacksonville Beach, playing November 4 to 19.
Jon Jory's adaptation of Jane Austen's PRIDE & PREJUDICE posed significant scenic and lighting design challenges for Theatre Jacksonville's new Technical Director, Tim Watson.
It's a thrilling experience for an audience when the curtain opens and there is an explosion of pure energy that grabs you and does not let go until the curtain call.