Associate Teacher (1992)
Fitzmaurice Institute Director of Technology

Associate Professor
Wayne State University
Department of Theatre & Dance
Detroit, MI 48202
USA
1 313-577-0926

michael@vocal-ease.net

Michael J Barnes is an Associate Professor at Wayne State University and the former Artistic Director of the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. He has also taught at the University of Miami, Temple University, and the University of Delaware. He has served as a voice, speech, dialect, singing, and text coach for the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Wilma Theatre, Studio Theatre, Rep Stage Company, The Pearl Theatre, People's Light and Theatre, Venture Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, and Colorado Shakespeare Festival. He also has coached Faye Dunaway as Maria Callas for a film version of "Master Class;" Kelly Preston, Aidan Quinn, Tim Daly, and Connie Nielsen in "Convicted," and Kelly Preston in "Broken Bridges;" and the film "The Witch." He has acted and directed in regional theatre. He has written several articles for and served as a topical editor for the Voice and Speech Review. His article about Fitzmaurice Voicework, co-authored with Bruce Smith, is referenced in articles, and his MFA thesis, also about Fitzmaurice Voicework, is referenced at the end of Catherine's article, "Breathing is Meaning." In August 2018, Michael steps into the role of President of VASTA, the Voice and Speech Trainers Association.

MFA, National Theatre Conservatory/Denver Center for the Performing Arts; BFA, University of Oklahoma; Post-Graduate Studies Cambridge University.

Languages: English
Specializations: Speech & Dialects, Private Coaching, Public Speaking, Acting, Text Work, Directing