The Multi-Hyphenate: Michael Kushner
Actor • Photographer • Producer • Writer • Podcaster • Educator
Through surviving a global pandemic, Michael produces queer & Jewish non-quotidian artistry that affects the world through humor, inter-personality, and vivacity.
Michael is a proud member of AEA. His credits include the film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024) as well as Castles in the Air (2014). His recent stage work includes On the Town (Barrington Stage, pre‑Broadway, dir. John Rando), Much Ado About Nothing (Barrington Stage, dir. Julie Boyd), and Sons on the Prophet (GableStage, dir. Joe Adler). He created and performed the one‑man show Moo With Me (dir. Max Crumm). In June 2021 he presented the cabaret Michael Kushner Sings His Hits for Pride at 54 Below during the venue’s reopening after the COVID‑19 shutdown.
As a photographer, Michael has been featured in The NYTimes, Vogue, The Tony Awards, Playbill, Women's Wear Daily, and more. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project and has photographed Hillary Clinton, Tom Hanks, Patti LuPone, Idina Menzel, Julie Andrews, and many more notable artists.
Michael produced the Emmy-nominated web series Indoor Boys (created by Wes Taylor and Alex Wyse) and XaveMePlease (starring Isaac Powell), shown at Frameline43 in San Francisco. He recently joined the board of Core Theatre Group in Warwick, NY, and served as Director of Programming for The Green Room 42, creating sold-out shows after the pandemic. Michael co-founded Musical Theatre Factory, is in residency at Playwrights Horizons, and received the first MTF Builder Award. He produced, directed, and performed in the sold-out 54 Celebrates Mel Brooks with Richard Kind and Veanne Cox. During COVID-19 he stayed active as director of photography and producer for virtual events, including Moments in the Woods (a virtual gala featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda, BroadwayWorld Award–nominated), Betsy Wolfe’s A Pants Optional Holiday, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play with The Skivvies for Laguna Playhouse, and Leslie Kritzer’s Holiday Show for The Actors’ Home.
Michael is the author of How to Be a Multi‑Hyphenate in the Theatre Business, published by Routledge in 2023. He is an active participant with Covenant House and served as 2020 KeyNote speaker for Florida Thespians. Michael was awarded the 2020 Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Ithaca College and currently teaches theatre business to the advanced NYU performance students at The Lee Strasberg Institute as well as the New York Film Academy.
Latest News
Directing Buyer & Cellar starring Remy Germinario.
Michael is directing his husband Remy Germinario in the hysterical one person play, Buyer & Cellar at Core Theatre Group in Warwick, NY. April 24 - 25th.
Producing Do You Speak Mexican? with Core Theatre Group.
Michael will be producing Carbonell Award Winner Elena Maria Garcia and Chris Perez’s Do You Speak Mexican with Core Theatre Group in Warwick, NY. May 15 - 17th.
Michael’s The Dressing Room Project is coming to Provincetown, MA.
Come visit this amazing gallery beginning this summer at ShowQueen Gallery in Provincetown! Dates announced soon.
The Actor.
Michael has been performing since the age of 9. After not liking his hat in Mary Poppins and leaving it on the banister of the set the entire show — he knew he found his home. He still has the ticket from that first production… and kisses it before bed every night.
On top of performing, Michael has extensive musical theatre history knowledge, specifically when it comes to Broadway flops and forgotten shows. His favorite book, as of late, is Ken Mandelbaum’s Not Since Carrie.
Reel coming soon.
The Producer.
The Writer.
Michael is a writer who has been published in many different mediums, journals, collections, and forums. He is the author of How to be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business, published by Routledge Publishing. Michael was also a contributing writer to Backstage and currently writes for his personal Substack — creating accessibility and demystifying falsehoods in the theatre, television, and film industries.
The Podcast.
What do Carol Burnett, Rachel Brosnahan, and Billy Porter all have in common? They were all on my podcast Dear Multi-Hyphenate, which you can listen to — right here.
“Why get pigeonholed as an artist? Why exhaust yourself in trying to create someone you’re not or supposed to be? Why accept your artistry is limited to just on aspect of your skill set. Michael Kushner’s ‘Dear Multi-Hyphenate’ dashes those narrow concepts by putting listeners at ease through humor and overwhelming encouragement. An empowering and inspiring podcast — DMH gives artists the tools to approach the high wire dance of the theatre industry with focus and an open mind. A multi skill set actor, IS the new actor. ‘Dear Multi-Hyphenate’ delivers!”
Let’s Stay in Touch
Mel Hinkle (any pronouns)
646-504-1505 Office
Melanie@edge-talent.com
www.edge-talent.com