Jay Michaels is a theatrical producer and director, marketing executive, educator, and entrepreneur. He won acclaim for his work in classical and musical theatre. He directed and produced a series of widely-popular modernized Shakespeare productions as well as producing for Mary E. MiCari’s G.A.i.A. Arts, Genesis Opera/Musical Theater, and overseeing the marketing of The Bronx Opera. He is also one of the founders and president of the board of Genesis Repertory, a New York stage company. Genesis recently merged with the arts marketing firm, WrightGroupNY, creating event and promotional opportunities for small and mid-budget theatre and film companies.
An arts journeyman, he began his career as an actor in the late 70s, appearing off-Broadway, in film, and on television. By the mid-80s he successfully made the move to producer. Michaels presented events for the HBO Summer Stage, two winners of the Samuel French Theatre Festival, four entries in NY’s coveted Fringe Festival, and served as co-producer of the 2001 Midtown Theatre Festival. He was a promotional manager for the Broadway revivals of Guys & Dolls (1992), Damn Yankees (1994) and The Vagina Monologues at Broadway’s Town Hall. He also served as a tour manager for Cats and Edwin Drood. Film credits include producer/editor of the documentary, Heart of the Community, and promotional sponsor for Ric Serena’s comedy, Twelve Fingers, and the war drama, The Color of Truth. He also appeared in Suzanne Sitelman’s macabre comedy, Norman, A Modern Metamorphosis and Eliana’s Ujueta’s crime drama, Beneath The Rock. He is also the voice of Shadrack in Silver Lining (based on Kings Quest game).
A former professor at Kingsborough College, Michaels continues to appear as a guest director and lecturer throughout the tri-state area at venues including Fordham University, Lehman College, and Yeshiva University. In 1998, he and Mary E. MiCari founded Genesis Repertory, a non-profit art & education organization dedicated to making the creative voice accessible to new audiences. In 1999, he opened Genesis’ first season as its artistic director and today, governs its board.
Mr. Michaels was recognized in the SSDC National Quarterly, TheatreWorld, American Theater, and Crain’s Who’s Who.
His productions won ASCAP, SPOTLIGHT, and OOBR Awards, publishing from Samuel French Play Service, and nominations from Drama Desk, GLAAD, and NY Innovative Theatre.
