From Nuha Jes Izman, Stella Adler Studio of Acting
I had the opportunity and pleasure to work with Michael in the fall of 2021. He directed me in a production of the play ‘Mine’ by Laura Marks, at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.
With ‘Mine’, we were working with very heavy & sensitive material and subject matters-and as our director, Michael set the the tone for a very safe, collaborative and encouraging environment. For example, the play opens with a scene of a woman in the middle of childbirth, and as a younger ensemble of actors who have never personally had to live through that experience, Michael created a safe enough space for us to do our research together, and find a respectful and honest way to tell that particular moment of the story. He allowed for us to explore, and gave us the opportunity to try & fail safely in order to finally succeed in finding the truth in those scenes. There were many other moments like such that needed to be carefully crafted in order to tell the story of this play and Michael, as the captain of our ship, lead us to do so successfully.
There was an emphasis on understanding and knowing every bit of the material, mine and the other members of the ensemble’s, that I had maybe not taken as seriously until I worked with Michael. Putting focus on learning every bit of the project as a whole, and being confident with how well I knew the material and the story we were working to tell, allowed for me to improvise to navigate a scene to where it needs to go, if lets say, another actor/member of the ensemble forgot to come on stage or forgot their line. There was also a trust that Michael helped our ensemble build which allowed for us all to lean on each other if we needed help in a scene, while performing. There was a calm patience with which Michael worked in, that I really admired- especially since he was also able to then get everything he needed done as our director, done successfully. I think it was most due to the fact that he did a lot of his prep work and planning before he got in the room to direct & work with us, therefore once rehearsals started it was all about putting the pieces together. He always came in prepared and with a plan, and so there was never a chaotic or stressed out energy coming from him. This showed me that there indeed is a healthy way to approach our work as actors, and I carry that with me till today in the work that I do.
Michael trusted me to come in during rehearsals of scenes that I wasn’t in, to observe and to take notes (with the permission and consent of the actors rehearsing)-this allowed me to see the rehearsal process through a different lens, and to see what works in a rehearsal process and what doesn’t. I did so much learning while sitting and watching him work with the other actors, and learned things I maybe would not have necessarily learned if I only came in to rehearse my scenes. This experience was invaluable and I’m so grateful Michael allowed for me to have that.
Getting to observe Michael as a director sparked an interest in me to not only act, but also to consider directing. Like I mentioned before, Michael has a great approach to his directing, a calm patience yet with structure. He was also fearless with his willingness to tackle and dive deep into the heavy material/setting of our play, which allowed for us as a team to find and breathe true human moments into those scenes. Although he always came in with a plan, he also allowed the freedom for us as actors to explore and think to find our characters and stories ourselves and then guided us, as an ensemble, to then put all of the pieces together in order to tell one cohesive story. Watching him do that inspires me to possibly one day steer that ship myself and try out directing.
From Gilda Mercato, Stella Adler Studio of Acting
I had the pleasure of working with Michael early in my career when he served as a guest director at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, directing Some Girls by Neil LaBute, in which I played the character of Lindsay. I’ve also had the opportunity to see other productions he directed at Stella Adler, such as Closer by Patrick Marber and Reasons to Be Pretty by Neil LaBute.
Looking back now, with more experience as an actor and having worked with a variety of directors and styles, I treasure even more the experience of working with him. Collaborating with a director who is also a working actor was thrilling and deeply enriching. Michael created a vibrant, safe, and nurturing environment where all of us, as actors, felt free to explore, contribute, and create without fear. While he had a clear and specific vision, Michael is the kind of director who embraces the best idea, no matter where it comes from. Working with someone who truly understands the actor’s process — including its challenges and vulnerabilities — made me feel seen, supported, and inspired.
Working with Michael challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, let go of preconceived notions, and truly experiment. I remember struggling with characters who carried authority and command, and at the time, I was playing Lindsay in Some Girls — a character far more mature and commanding than I was. I was intimidated and hesitant, and Michael offered a note that shifted my entire perspective: “Instead of trying to have the power, why don’t you teach him — command him — treat him like a child?” As a young actor, I had never considered that approach. That insight gave me permission to take up space, to own my power, and, most importantly, to play.
Michael’s directorial style is deeply curious and genuinely inquisitive. Rather than handing out answers, he guided me with questions, encouraging me to explore and find my own way. His approach made my work — and the work of my fellow actors — more alive, layered, and thrilling to experience and watch. To this day, I carry that mindset with me: instead of rushing to find answers, I stay curious and keep asking questions, which continues to enrich and deepen my craft.
Working with Michael helped me grow in ways that extended far beyond just acting. One of the most important ways I grew was learning to fully embrace my imagination and trust what I naturally brought to the table, rather than trying to hide it or “correct” it. He invited me to make the character my own — not a version of what others might expect, but something honest, alive, and real. That permission made me more confident, both as an actor and as a person. It taught me to trust my instincts, to take ownership of my work, and to create with specificity, depth, and authenticity — lessons that continue to shape not only my craft, but also the way I move through life.
One moment that stayed with me was how Michael emphasized the importance of truly listening and being present with one another. Sometimes, especially early in our careers — or even later, as I’ve witnessed with seasoned actors on Broadway — we can forget the simple but essential act of listening. Michael encouraged the entire cast to make genuine eye contact onstage and to stay fully connected. That reminder became a powerful tool for me: whenever I feel disconnected in a scene, I return to my scene partner’s eyes, and it immediately brings me back to the present moment.
Perhaps the most surprising — and most treasured — lesson was the atmosphere Michael created: a space where exploration was encouraged, individuality was celebrated, and taking risks was not only allowed but welcomed. He empowered me to embrace my voice, to take bold creative risks, and to play fearlessly — lessons that continue to inspire me both onstage and off.
From Harrison Tipping, Stella Adler Studio of Acting
I worked with Michael in the fall of 2021 on my first round of plays, where he directed me in the play 'Mine' in a small cast of 5.
Michael was fantastic at facilitating that rehearsal process in so many ways. He created an environment that felt relaxed and comfortable along with a space that felt focused and creative. A great Director is able to make their cast feel like they can bring ideas to the table in both a fun and creative way and Michael certainly brought that.
Michael specifically made me think about acting in a whole new way on that play. As a student he reminded me that school is about learning new approaches and techniques and in this play he really brought out of me this ability to play a character and allowing who I was as a person to affect that rather than feeling the need to put something extra on it.
I feel like as an actor I grew working with Michael in the way I approach my work now. I focus more on real truth and feeling relaxed when performing. As a person he reminded me to have fun and laugh in the room while taking the work seriously- a nice balance.
One stand out moment for me working with Michael was when he reminded me to just listen and take in what's going on around me- allow the play and situation to do its work on you. That was a huge revelation.
I learned that actors making good directors. I knew that Michael was also a professional actor as well as a director and you could see that in the way he directed- he's very good with actors.
Michael is great at making people feel safe and to take risks while pushing them. His attitude towards the work and his students is so positive! A great leader makes people feel like themselves and to be able to fail- he does this.
SK Kouassi, University at Albany
I began working with Michael during the spring semester of my freshman year in 2022, when he was my professor for Acting I. The class atmosphere he fostered was nothing short of incredible. From day one, I found myself participating in engaging and interactive activities alongside strangers—many of whom would soon become close friends.
Michael helped me gain a new perspective on acting. Before his class, I had only pursued acting as a fun hobby, taking opportunities when they came but never seriously considering it as a career path. That changed because of Michael. He saw something in me—potential, skill, and passion—and he knew exactly how to nurture it.
After one of my in-class performances, Michael approached me and shared words of encouragement that would ultimately shift the course of my college experience. His belief in me and his recognition of my talent made me realize that acting wasn’t just something I enjoyed—it was something I was good at, something I loved, and something I wanted to pursue more seriously.
Thanks to Michael, I became much more involved in the theater community and more intentional about my growth as an actor. He emphasized the importance of warming up and building trust with fellow performers. By creating a strong, supportive classroom community, he showed me how comfort and connection can elevate a performance.
Michael also instilled in me the importance of confidence—both as myself and in the characters I portray. Learning to let the emotions of a character truly resonate and shine through me has been one of the most valuable lessons in my journey, and it’s one I may not have grasped so deeply without Michael’s guidance.
Working with Michael was transformative. He inspired and encouraged me in ways I will always be grateful for, and I often think about how different my college experience—and perhaps my future—would be had I not met him.