Michael Fortna
Director &
Stage Manager
Michael Fortna
Director and Stage Manager
With years of experience, I specialize in developing and translating ambitious artistic visions into seamless technical realities. My leadership style balances high-stakes precision with an approachable, collaborative spirit, ensuring every production—from intimate dramas to grand-scale spectacles—is executed with clarity and impact.
Dedicated to the future of the craft, I integrate my background in curriculum development and mentorship to foster emerging talent. I focus on bridging the divide between creative exploration and technical excellence for artists of all ages.
Professional Journey
With a career built on the seamless integration of artistic vision and technical execution, my growth as a director is deeply rooted in my foundations as a stage manager. This professional journey reflects a commitment to precision, collaborative leadership, and the continuous refinement of the theatrical craft across diverse production scales.
With years of professional excellence, I continue to bridge the gap between technical stage management, visionary direction, and arts education, ensuring every production is as seamless in its execution as it is profound in its impact.
My theatrical journey began in Syracuse, New York, where I performed in community productions and gained backstage experience at Syracuse Stage. I later spent three formative years at Syracuse Opera, mastering the intricate mechanics of stage management for grand-scale operas and musicals. My career further evolved through collaborations with esteemed organizations such as the Ogunquit Playhouse, Classic Stage Company, New York Classical Theatre, the National Yiddish Theatre, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. I refined my professional expertise while training at The Juilliard School.
Transitioning into directing, I served as Assistant Director for Syracuse Opera’s productions of Sweeney Todd and A Little Night Music and Director for 9 Operas in 90 Minutes, which paved the way for guest directing engagements with several other regional companies. My ongoing collaboration with the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation has allowed me to refine my directorial voice while contributing to the development of a highly successful arts education program.
Credentials
Training & Education
Unions & Associations
Special Skills
AAS in Humanities & Individual Studies (The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville); BS in Early Childhood Studies (Eastern University); Professional Apprentice Program (The Juilliard School); Directing Apprentice (Broadway Dreams Foundation).
Associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA); Member, Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Emergency First Aid, CPR & AED Certified; Hand-Sewing; Music Theory; Able to Read Music; Basic Carpentry; Painting; Scene Design; Basic Sound and Light Board Knowledge; Wig Maintenance.
Vision
Directing Philosophy
My approach to directing is defined by a commitment to clarity, radical collaboration, and the pursuit of emotional truth. I believe the rehearsal room is a sacred laboratory where storytelling is dissected and rebuilt through shared discovery. By fostering an environment where every artistic voice—from cast to crew—is empowered, we create productions that are not only technically flawless but deeply resonant with the human experience. Collaboration is my catalyst for innovation on the stage.
Collaborator Reviews
“
"Michael establishes a very professional creative working environment from Day One! He is especially good at managing less experienced early-career artists and interns. He relates to them as a supervisor and mentor, teaching them as he encourages them to do their best work. With seasoned, veteran performers, Michael is just as collaborative. He communicates clearly with everyone, showing his/her/their artistry equal care and respect."
Hillary Cohen — Managing Director, New York Classic Theatre
“
"Working with Michael Fortna as a director is an absolute gift. His authenticity sets the tone from day one - what you see is exactly who he is - and that honestly creates a space where creativity thrives. He moves quickly, decisively, and with purpose, yet always leaves room for collaboration. Michael not only welcomes ideas from others, he genuinely explores them, shaping them into something even better than you imagined."
Melissa Victor — Set & Projection Designer
“
"What I appreciate most about Michael in the director-actor relationship is how open he is to questions and input. I always appreciate his effort in the process of discovering a scene. Michael is very receptive to thoughts and input from cast in developing our collective understanding of a show. He is the kind of director who gets that a show is not just the director's alone."
Peter Fenton — Actor
“
"Michael turns the rehearsal room into a laboratory where collaboration leads the creative process. He is engaging with actors and production staff and makes the entire process a learning experience and a conversation, not a one sided monologue. He works extremely hard to include everyone throughout the entire process."
Liam Sullivan — Actor
“
"I always enjoy working with Michael Fortna. His unique and creative ideas keep me feeling inspired as a performer. He always works to make actors feel included in the creative process and draw the best out of performers. I would recommend him as a director unreservedly."
Blue Colacchio — Actor