Act II Playhouse Names Michael Donovan as Comedy Producer

Act II Playhouse has announced that Michael Donovan has been officially appointed the theatre's in-house Comedy Producer. Donovan's first public appearance in his role will be at Act II's next Stand-Up Comedy Night, on Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. Donovan will emcee the event and comedian Dennis Horan will headline.

Donovan has been emceeing and independently producing the theatre's popular standup comedy nights for two years. The Norristown resident also facilitates the theater's stand-up comedy workshop for adults.

"Mike Donovan is a comedic class act - a 'stand up' guy in more ways than one," Act II Artistic Director Tony Braithwaite said. "He's beloved and trusted in Philly comedy circles, and has also been a valuable asset to Act II Playhouse for a few years. I am elated he's joining the Act II family more officially now."

The Aug. 23 show will also feature Billy Chiang. Emily Cohen, a recent workshop alumna, will do a "guest spot" of five minutes.

Tickets for Act II's Stand-Up Comedy Nightare $20. Tickets are available online at http://www.act2.org, by calling the Act II box office at (215) 654-0200, or in person at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler. Discounts are available for subscribers, students, group of 10 or more, and seniors (65+).

Donovan began doing stand-up comedy in 1995 at the age of 14. He quickly became a regular opening act in the Philadelphia area at various comedy clubs and at private events. Throughout his teens, he appeared multiple times on the WIP morning show as the "Kid Comic" and "Teen Correspondent," giving Angelo Cataldi and company the perspective of an adolescent on current events, always looking for a way to work sex into the conversation.

At 17, he met his hero, George Carlin, after an appearance in Atlantic City in 1998. Carlin and Donovan began a correspondence that would last for several years. At their first meeting, Carlin reviewed Donovan's act and offered feedback. When Donovan asked him to provide a college recommendation letter (because his grades were so awful), Carlin agreed. La Salle University had never seen anything like it and admitted the academically-challenged student. He continues to perform himself occasionally these days, but his primary focus is on producing shows and developing new talent.

Donovan joined the Act II family in 2012, producing the first stand-up comedy weekend. It was the first of what has turned out to be a series of successful evenings for the theater. Later in 2013, he helped to expand Act II's educational offerings by running the stand-up comedy workshop, now entering its third year. By day, Michael works in operations and development at Melmark, a human service agency that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities. He is a proud graduate of La Salle University and St. Joseph's Preparatory School. He lives in Norristown with his wife, Stacy-Ann, and better-looking son, Patrick.

"Act II Playhouse is the crown jewel of Ambler and one of the Greater Philadelphia-area's best entertainment options. Its variety of shows offers something for everyone. I am thrilled to be associated with such a place. It has enriched my life immeasurably."