Michael Donovan

MICHAEL DONOVAN, Casting Director/DirectorBIO: Perhaps best known as a casting director, Michael has cast 45 films, 9 TV series, and over 1,000 commercials.Michael also casts extensively for the theatre, and his productions have received numerous honors from the L.A. Drama Critics' Circle and the N.A.A.C.P., as well as Backstage West Garlands, L.A. Weekly and Ovation Awards.Michael is also a two-time nominee for the Casting Society of America's Artios Award.Having started in the business as an actor/director, Michael is happy to be returning to his roots and delighted to be directing for GuerriLA Theatre.Michael has directed multiple theatre productions on both coasts, as well as three short films.His teaching credentials include the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, the America Film Institute, the Stella Adler Academy and he will be a guest lecturer at U.C.L.A. in the spring of 2006.A former president of the West Coast Ensemble, Michael is proud to be the Artistic Director for the newly-formed Culver City Playhouse.

Casting director, Michael Donovan once said that he wished every actor would do this just once in their careers, so that they could have this tool to help them stand out during on-camera auditions.
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Michael is an extraordinary teacher.We have yet to meet an actor who has taken Michael's class who does not give glowing reports!Many agents send their actors to this class.Numerous actors have taken the class repeatedly, because Michael has a way of bringing actors to a new level, no matter how well-trained they are.Each week, every actor goes on camera a few times and Michael helps them to sharpen their commercial audition skills (both improvisational auditions and auditions with copy).His advice is also often helpful for other types of film and TV auditions.Michael started out as an actor and has been casting for ten years: commercials, theatre, independent films and TV projects.Michael was formerly the President of West Coast Ensemble and is a fabulous theatre director.He has also produced on several film projects.His credits include: Closing The Deal, The Jersey (pilot), Medal of Honor, War Dogs and a long list of others.Michael gives fully to his students.The best part of all is that his class is a blast!
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Michael Donovan, CCDA/CSA