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Jay Michaels

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BIO

JAY MICHAELS (DIRECTOR) Before becoming a live event and film producer with a specialty in marketing & promotion, Jay worked as a stage & film actor & director. He came to prominence for directing a series of wildly successful stage and film adaptations of Shakespeare plays sporting unique production schemes. His work in musical theatre is also notable, as director of New York and world premieres of Sandcastles (the story of the Beach Boys), Common Ground (about Lincoln and Douglas), Jayson (based on the ground-breaking comic strip), All of a Kind and Sicilian & Female (both based on autobiographies) and most recently, the world premiere of A Symphony for Portland, schedule to run off Broadway in late 2023; and producer of the premiere of Relapse (about a group in a psych ward) at Playwrights Horizons; not to mention helming classic musicals like Guys & Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, Children of Eden, and Applause. Acclaimed for direction of straight plays as well, Jay helmed premieres of MUSE (performances in New York and the United Kingdom), Teatime (winner, Samuel French New Works Series), Dark of the Moon (TheatreWorld Award) at the Pearl Theater; A Doll’s House for Queensborough Performing Arts Center, and direction of the final company of the original LINE (its 50th year) at 13th Street Playhouse; Promotional executive credentials include Broadway Guys & Dolls (1992), Damn Yankees (1994); The Vagina Monologues (2004), and Beginnings (2017) as well as countless off-Broadway productions and events at venues like Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Javits Center, Pace, Fordham, and Kingsborough universities, the Wild Project, Theatre Row, Abrons Arts Center, the HBO Summer Stage, and CAMI and Carnegie Halls. He was also on the production team for The Joyce Theater’s American Theater Series, which won a 1986 Drama Desk Award. Today, his claim to fame is associate producer and on-air commentator for stage and screen on Spectrum Cable’s Hi Drama, and Impresario – a program spotlighting the business end of theatre & film. This recent career move allowed Jay to create JMC: Channel I – a network of multimedia programs and platforms promoting independent artists and their work. A noted horror film historian, Jay is also associate producer and on-air/live event personality for a series of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy programs and events. Credits here include Terror TV & Horror-Storian – both programs dedicated to genre filmmakers – plus numerous appearances at conventions and film festivals including NYComicCon, Phantasm-Con, Boston Sci-Fi, Drac-Fest, HorrorHound, and Phoenix FearCon. Now, he is thrilled to be host of “In the Dark with Jay Michaels” on FearCon’s ROKU Streaming Network, continuing his series of interviews on genre artists and their work.   Jay was part of the original off-off Broadway movement and appeared at Lincoln Center’s tribute to the movement and Caffe Cino. He also lectures as a professor of communications & media culture.

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Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director

News


Charles Evered's CLASS to Have Industry Presentation at Open Jar

GOTO GOTO Studio in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications llc will bring to New York an industry presentation of the regional cast of Charles Evered's CLASS directed and starring Ben Atkinson with Eliza Banaszak. Learn more!
All Out Arts Honors Erik Bottcher and Jay Michaels

All Out Arts has announced the 2024 Fresh Fruit Festival Award WINNERS for Outstanding Productions in Playwrighting, Directing, Performances, and Technical Achievement at an event honoring Erik Bottcher and Jay Michaels.
Cast Set for Barry M. Putt, Jr.'s OMEED'S TAPESTRIES at Open Jar Studios

Barry M. Putt, Jr.'s play OMEED'S TAPESTRIES will have a special industry reading at Open Jar Studios in NYC. The play explores the journey of an Iranian same-sex couple seeking a peaceful life. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Kris Maloy's FINDING AARON to Premiere at The Spark Theatre Festival NYC

Kris Maloy's new musical, FINDING AARON, will premiere at The Spark Theatre Festival NYC. The event includes a talkback session with the audience. Learn how to attend.
Drama Book Shop and JMGC Reveal August and September Events

DBS welcomes a diverse range of guests from the stages of Broadway to the intimate settings of Off-Broadway, Off Off Broadway, and beyond. These discussions include Q&As, readings, and special guests.
CONSTELLATIONS Comes to the American Theatre of Actors This Month

CONSTELLATIONS, a new play by Nick Payne, will run July 20 - 28 at the American Theatre of Actors, 314 West 54th Street, New York City.
The Drama Book Shop Unveils Summer Reading Events In July And August

The Drama Book Shop will host a series of live events featuring Broadway and Off-Broadway guests. Learn more and see how to attend!
Drama Book Shop to Present OPEN, A Conversation With Award-Winning Playwright Crystal Skillman

Celebrate pride with the team of “Open” the play. On June 25th, 7:30-8:30 PM, the Drama Book Shop will present, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, “OPEN” a conversation with award-winning playwright Crystal Skillman. This author's event will feature a talkback, book signing, and live podcast recording.
Ripple Effect Artists to Present RADIANT VERMIN by Philip Ridley at The ATA

Ripple Effect Artists will present RADIANT VERMIN by Philip Ridley, exploring housing and homelessness. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company to Present PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

Lighthouse Repertory Theatre Company will present the Tony-Award Winning, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER from May 31 through June 2.
New Music Venue The Central Park Café Opens Across The Street From Carnegie Hall

The Central Park Café is bringing the finest in New York cabaret to their restaurant across the street from Carnegie Hall. Learn more about the venue!
A Duet Of DeVita Plays To Be Presented At The Queens Short Play Festival

Discover the works of prolific playwright Doug DeVita at The Secret Theatre's Queens Short Plays Festival.
A Conversation with Shaina Taub & More at the Drama Book Shop in February

Founded in 1917, the Drama Book Shop is a renowned NYC cultural institution. Join them on Tuesday evenings for insightful discussions.
Christine McClure to Discuss New Book DRAMA FOR TEEN ACTORS at The Drama Book Shop

Join author Christine McClure at the Drama Book Shop for a discussion on her new book, 'Drama For Teen Actors.'
Join Barry M. Putt Jr. for 'Stories Told Through Sound: A Workshop' at the Drama Book Shop

Step into the world of audio drama with Barry M. Putt Jr. in 'Stories Told Through Sound: A Workshop' at the Drama Book Shop on March 12.
Hayley St. James to Discuss THE AFFAIR PLAYS At The Drama Book Shop This Month

Hayley St. James discusses their latest work, 'The Affair Plays' at the Drama Book Shop.
ACW-TV's JAY WATCH Returns For A Second Season

ACW-TV’s JAY WATCH returns for a second season, celebrating the Golden Age of Television with classic episodes of iconic shows like The Lucy Show, Burns & Allen, and Dick Van Dyke.
See Jordan Beswick & Amelia Campbell, and More in January At The Drama Book Shop

Join in at the Drama Book Shop for their January events. See who is taking part!
Drama Book Shop To Host Nora Brigid Monahan And Alexander Sage Oyen To Talk DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL

Join Nora Brigid Monahan and Alexander Sage Oyen, creators of DIVA: LIVE FROM HELL, for an evening at The Drama Book Shop. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Photos: Inside Rehearsal for Bambi Everson's SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS At The Drama Book Shop

The Drama Book Shop and Jay Michaels Global Communications present a special event. A reading of excerpts of Bambi Everson's holiday ghost story, SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS. See rehearsal photos.

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