I produce non-quotidian theatre artistry
that benefits the world around me.

Having survived CoVid-19 and still managed to make a steady
income solely as a theatre artist (photographer, producer, performer,
and writer), I believe that multi-hyphenating is the way
of the artist in 2023. Why? Without relying on anyone,
I have been able to support myself solely based on
my own creativity and decisions.

My efforts in spreading the multi-hyphenate life reaches thousands
whether it be on my podcasts, virtual workshops,
in the class room, or in my studio. With an open heart, a comedic
outlook, and kishkes (Yiddish for guts) - I plan to keep
imploring that artists find their agency because that means on thing:
artistic freedom.

“Michael Kushner is the glue that holds the
Broadway community together.” - Alice Ripley

Michael Kushner

Michael Kushner is one of New York's leading multi - hyphenates: a person who has multiple proficiencies, often cross pollinating into each other to help flourish professional capabilities. Michael is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and some favorite performance credits include ON THE TOWN at Barrington Stage (Pre Broadway try out, Directed by John Rando), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Barrington Stage (Directed by Julie Boyd), SONS OF THE PROPHET at GableStage (Directed by Joe Adler), and TOXIC IF SWALLOWED at Ars Nova (Directed by Charles Quittner). Michael graduated with distinction from Ithaca College with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He is also the creator of his one man show, MOO WITH ME (Directed by Max Crumm), which will be brought back to NYC in 2021.

As a photographer, Michael's work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Tony Awards, and in publications in print and online nationally and across the pond. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project, a photographic journal of actors prepping for their roles on Broadway. Michael has photographed Idina Menzel, Julie Andrews, and many more notable artists.

As a producer, Michael is one of the founding members of Musical Theatre Factory, currently in residency with Playwrights Horizons. He is an Executive Producer on the award winning and EMMY nominated web series, Indoor Boys, created by Wes Taylor and Alex Wyse. Michael and Wes' short film XaveMePlease, starring Isaac Powell, played Frameline43 Festival in San Francisco and OutFilmFest in CT. He served as Associate Producer on Bernie and Mikey’s Trip to the Moon with 59E59 and Strangemen and Co. Michael is proudly on the Advisory Boards of Out of the Box Theatrics and Wingspan Arts. He is also an investor in Be More Chill on Broadway. Every year, Michael participates in Stage and Screen Sleep Out with Covenant House. To learn a little more about that, watch the video with Michael and Audra McDonald above. This year he worked with the youth of Covenant House NY and helped them create the project I Am Worth It, which will be debuted at Covenant House’s Gala in May of 2020.

At the end of 2019, Michael and the Broadway Podcast Network launched a brand new podcast entitled Dear Multi-Hyphenate, which explores how an artists who juggle multiple skills exist in show business. Also, please visit the Broadway Podcast Network to listen to other amazing podcasts from Kerry Butler, Josh Lamon, Donna McKechnie, and more!

During 2020, an obviously difficult year for many, Michael fought hard to create and trail-blaze during a time when so many felt discouraged. Michael sat down and put extreme efforts into finishing his first draft of his first book Dear Multi-Hyphenate, of the same title of his podcast and workshop. He also created Virtual Theatre opportunities including Moments in the Woods (a virtual gala streamed by Stars in the House, benefiting the Hancock - French Woods Arts Alliance, featuring Lin Manuel Miranda, Jason Alexander, Todrick Hall, and more) which earned him a BroadwayWorld Award Nomination and was seen by over 20,000 views plus raised $26,000, Waiting in the Wings (virtual gala for Wingspan Arts) which raised over $15,000, It’s A Wonderful Life (multi-cam radio play featuring The Skivvies in partnership with Laguna Playhouse), Leslie Kritzer’s Holiday Show for the Actors’ Home, and Betsy Wolfe’s A Pants Optional Holiday produced by Holmdel Theatre Company.

Michael is now an Expert Contributor to Backstage.

NEWS

In December of 2020, Michael served as Director of Photography for both Betsy Wolfe’s A Pants Optional Holiday and Leslie Kritzer’s Holiday Show for The Actors’ Home.
In a collaboration with The Skivvies (Broadway’s Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley), Michael directed / filmed / produced ‘Super Heroes’, a new music video encouraging people to Vote. The song also teases the incredible album The Rocky Horror Skivvies Show, which is being released at the end of October. Watch the iHeartRadio interview and find the video here.
Michael is in pre-production for The Pink Unicorn, a new film based on the play by Elise Forier Edie. More information coming soon. He will serve as director of photography and co - producer.
Michael is now an Expert Contributor for Backstage. Every month, an article written by Michael will be released guiding you in the realm of multi-hyphenate artistry in the theatre industry. Check out his Backstage profile here, which has all of his articles in one easy-to-find place.
Michael produced and directed the fundraising event Moment in the Woods, featuring Lin Manuel Miranda Todrick Hall, and Jason Alexander, which raised funds for the Hancock French - Woods Arts Alliance. The event was streamed by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley's Stars in the House and reached over 20,000 people and raised $26,000. Read the press release on Broadway.com and Playbill. Vote for “Best Producer of a Virtual Event” on BroadwayWorld here.