Devon Michaels, also known as Devon Schwartz, is a multifaceted artist with a career spanning over three decades. He has made a significant impact in the world of drama and comedy, both on and off Broadway. Michaels' Broadway debut was in the Tony-nominated musical "Rags," followed by performances in several prominent Off-Broadway venues, including the Lamb's Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, and The Public. He has had the opportunity to work with esteemed actors such as Mandy Patinkin and Joan Cusack, as well as renowned directors like JoAnne Akalaitis and David Hare.
Michaels' educational background includes a degree in Theater Studies and Psychology from Yale University, where he was also a member of the a cappella singing and comedy group, "The Doox of Yale." This group has performed around the world, showcasing Michaels' versatility as a performer.
In his 20s and 30s, Michaels wrote, edited, and directed for various companies in New York and Los Angeles, creating content for museums, corporations, public television, and National Lampoon. His scripts have won numerous awards, including first place in the Carl Sautter Memorial Scriptwriting Competition for Film and Television. Michaels' sitcom pilot, "Frenemies," was a top 30 finalist in the NBC Playground competition, and he has worked as a feature development assistant for Jonathan Prince.
As a director, Michaels has helmed over 30 plays and short film projects. Some of his notable directing credits include "Woman of Paris" for Chain Lightning Theatre and the world premiere of Steven Fechter's "Intimacies" for EST's OctoberFest. He has also directed plays by Jason Katims, Tim McNeil, Nicky Silver, and the critically acclaimed "From Bonkers to Botox," which was chosen to be part of HBO's U.S. Comedy Festival in Aspen.
Michaels has also worked extensively in television, with a recurring role as Bill on the hit show "Gilmore Girls." He has recently returned to his roots in musical theater, playing Seymour in Big Bear Theatre Project's "Little Shop of Horrors." In addition, he has ventured into independent film, starring in "Long Shadows," a dramatic western with Dermot Mulroney, and "The Hermit," a horror film starring Malina Pauli Weissman and Lou Ferrigno.
Michaels is currently attached to direct the dramedy "Wake," a feature that has qualified for the California Tax Credit and is scheduled to shoot in July/August. With his impressive resume and continued success in the entertainment industry, Devon Michaels is undoubtedly a talented and accomplished artist.
