"MARROW" at 59E59 and Edinburgh Fringe Festival

I have the distinct privilege of producing MARROW by Brian Quirk this summer at both 59E59 Theatres in NYC and the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. This timely show is about a gay artist who is recovering from a vicious hate-inspired physical beating. The audience goes on a euphoric journey through his memories, as he tries to reassemble his shattered body and mind, in a work that is beautiful, visceral, sensual, blazingly honest and darkly humorous.

We are currently fundraising for the show to travel to Scotland. I would love for you to consider donating-any amount will help. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation.

"SEPTIC" at the University of Montevallo

November 7th of 2021 we opened SEPTIC for the University of Montevallo. I taught a class on devised theatre techniques and had the fortune to direct the show. The rehearsal process started with creating moments based on Tectonic Theatre Company’s method of creating Theatre. Our show was in response to the waste water mismanagement in the Black Belt of Alabama. The show had performances November 4th through November 7th, 2021 in the Michael and Sue Meadows Black Box Theatre.  We also had a talk back that I moderated with Dr. Susan Caplow (Environmental Studies) in which we discussed the scientific specifics of the raw sewage issues, the effects of climate change on this crisis, and the possible solutions.

Tenure and Promotion-Associate Professor

In the Spring of 2021, I was awarded tenure and promotion to Associate Professor at the University of Montevallo. If you’d like to see my tenure and promotion materials, they can be found here.

https://www.michaelwalkertenure.com

"CANFIELD DRIVE" has its World Premiere at The Black Rep

I had the privilege to co-write with Kristen Adele Calhoun the script for the new play “Canfield Drive” which recently had its World Premiere at The Black Rep in St. Louis. The show opened January 11, 2019 at the Edison Theatre in St. Louis during a BLIZZARD, but nothing was going to stop us from telling this story. The show ran for three weeks to sold out houses and incredible reviews. A HUGE thank you to everyone at The Black Rep, especially Ron Himes for saying yes and bringing such a clear vision to the play. And of course, Kristen Adele has been such an amazing collaborator and friend. I am eternally grateful.

St. Louis Post Dispatch Review

Riverfront Times Review

Snoop’s Theatre Thoughts Review

Broadwayworld Review

PBS Interview

St. Louis Post Dispatch Interview

NPR Interview

The Source Article

St. Louis American Article

"The Little Foxes" at Antaeus Theatre in Los Angeles

I have had the extreme pleasure of working as the dialect coach for the Antaeus Theatre Company’s production of “The Little Foxes”, directed by Cameron Watson. The show was set in Demopolis, AL and Cameron wanted someone who could not only teach the dialect but was a native speaker. Cameron is also a graduate of the University of Montevallo where I am currently teaching Voice and Dialects. Please check out the reviews below.

BroadwayWorld

LA Times

CANFIELD DRIVE to premiere at the Black Rep of St. Louis in 2019

I am very proud to announce that CANFIELD DRIVE, the play Kristen Adele and I have been writing for the past four and a half years about the murder of Mike Brown, will be produced at The Black Rep of St. Louis in January of 2019.

 

URINETOWN at University of Montevallo

Just finished directing the University of Montevallo's production of URINETOWN.

2017 BroadwayWorld Denver Awards

I am very honored to be the recipient of the 2017 BroadwayWorld Denver Award for Best Director of a Play and to have directed the Best Comedic Musical HAIRSPRAY at Thingamajig Theatre Company.  I had so much fun working on GOD OF CARNAGE and HAIRSPRAY at Thingamajig this past year. Huge thank you to everyone that was involved especially Tim and Laura Moore.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/denver/article/Winners-Announced-For-The-2017-BroadwayWorld-Denver-Awards-HAIRSPRAY-Wins-Best-Comedic-Musical-20180111

THE 39 STEPS

I am so honored and happy to post the photos (courtesy of Profirio Solorzano) from the recent production of 'The 39 Steps' that I directed at Theatre Tuscaloosa.  I am so proud of this production and all of the hard work that went into by ALL involved.  It was a show that I had dreamed of directing for many years and I am glad to have had the chance to work on it.

HAIRSPRAY at Thingamajig Theatre Company

I am SOOO proud to have been able to direct Hairspray at the Thingamajig Theatre Company this summer.  The cast was amazing, the designers were brilliant and the producers made my experience there an absolute joy. On top of that, here are some excerpts from a review-

"Walker’s staging is clever and utilizes the unique space well. He and scenic designer Eric Chamness establish multiple, fully-realized locations while making a virtue of the intimate space. Walker sets a pace that lets the passions in the story drive the action and brings out the high spirits of the performers."

 Below are a few photos of the production.

CANFIELD DRIVE reading in NYC and STL

Two staged reading of CANFIELD DRIVE (the play about Mike Brown and Black Lives Matter that I am co-writing with Kristen Adele) were held recently.  The first reading was in NYC at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the second reading was in STL at the Black Rep. Both readings were beautifully directed by Dr. Ron Himes of the Black Rep. Kristen and I are very excited by all of the positive feedback we received and can't wait to develop the show more in August with Melissa Firlit. 

God of Carnage at Thingamajig Theatre Company

I just received a GLOWING review of my recent production of GOD OF CARNAGE at Thingamajig Theatre Company in Pagosa Springs, CO.  Here's a bit: 

     "The multiple alliance changes in the play came across as natural...the acting was superb....

      The staging and direction were right on....Outstanding production!"

Also, here are a few photos I took of the production and two photos of Pagosa Springs, CO.  Professional photos to follow soon.

Another Closing...Another Opening

I just closed MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at the University of Montevallo.  Please click the Directing tab to take a look at some of the production photos.  And now...

GOD OF CARNAGE at Thingamajig Theatre Company in Pagosa Springs, CO.  I am so excited to be working with my fellow Rutgers classmate Christina Norris in the role of Annette.  And in a role reversal, I will be directing Melissa Firlit in the role of Veronica.  We start rehearsals May 1 and open May 12.

Much Ado About Nothing

I recently completed adapting and directing the University of Montevallo's production of Much Ado About Nothing.  The show was set in 1946-New Orleans and included a beautiful, working fountain.  I am so proud of my students and their hard work.  Here is a photo I took of the set-professional photos to follow soon.

Upcoming

I am very excited to announce that I will be directing GOD OF CARNAGE this Spring at the Thingamajig Theatre Company in Pagosa Springs, CO.  The Artistic Director, Tim Moore, will be heading up the cast along with my fellow Rutgers graduates Christina Norris and Melissa Firlit.  The show opens May 12, 2016 and runs through June 4, 2016.

Ferguson

In November 2016, I am headed to St. Louis to conduct interviews for a new devised play about #blacklivesmatter and the shooting of Michael Brown. In 2015 Kristen Adele and I were awarded a grant from the National Performance Network to devise a play about the #blacklivesmatter movement.  We will continue our work in March of 2017 and aim to perform the piece at the Black Rep of St. Louis and 651 Arts in Brooklyn.