Michael Herwitz

Michael is frequently found pouring over pages of a gutsy new play, dreaming up a revival of a favorite musical, or standing on his tiptoes leading a rehearsal room. He creates work that is muscular, provocative, and beautiful. A ferocious defender of the fourth wall, Michael believes every second act deserves a dream ballet.

Born and raised outside New York City, Michael began his career as a child actor on Broadway. Inspired by the Broadway stage managers who entertained his every question, Michael developed a passion for making the plays he wanted to see. After graduating from LaGuardia Arts High School, he co-founded G45 Productions, an ensemble-based collective dedicated to incubating new work. At Northwestern University, Michael honed his craft directing musicals. Upon graduation, Michael returned to New York to develop, direct, and occasionally general manage new work. His direction has been seen at Ars Nova, HERE, Ensemble Studio Theater, JACK, SoHo Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, IRT Theater, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, and the Pasadena Playhouse. Michael directed Max Wolf Friedlich’s JOB from its original festival run at SoHo Playhouse’s Lighthouse Series, through two sold-out Off-Broadway engagements, to its acclaimed Broadway production. Next, he is directing the Off-Broadway and American premier of Philippa Lawford’s Cold Water with Little Engine Theater.