Michael J. Bobbitt facts for kids

Michael J. Bobbitt is a talented American artist who works as a playwright, director, and choreographer. He is also a leader in the performing arts world. On February 1, 2021, he became the executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which helps support arts and culture in Massachusetts. Before this, Michael Bobbitt was the artistic director of Adventure Theatre-MTC for 12 years. This theater is the longest-running children's theater in the Washington, D.C. area. Later, on August 1, 2019, he became the artistic director of the New Repertory Theatre near Boston. Michael Bobbitt's amazing work has often been recognized with nominations and wins at the annual Helen Hayes Awards, which celebrate excellent theater.

Career in Theater

Michael Bobbitt joined Adventure Theatre as its artistic director in 2007. He helped change the organization from a small, volunteer-run group into a famous children's theater and training school called ATMTC Academy. Under his leadership, the theater grew a lot. It went from having 15,000 visitors to more than 100,000 people coming to see shows. The theater also received over 50 nominations for the Helen Hayes Awards and won eight of them. In 2012, he guided Adventure Theatre through a merger with Musical Theatre Center. This created the new group known as Adventure Theatre-MTC.

Helping Kids' Theater Grow

Michael Bobbitt has asked writers to create and then shown more than 50 new plays for young audiences. He has also helped write or change several stories for the stage. Some of these include Mirandy and Brother Wind, Bob Marley's Three Little Birds, Caps for Sale, Garfield the Musical with Cattitude, and Jumanji. He also helped develop ATMTC Academy. This is the theater's special school and training program for young people who want to become professional performers.

Besides his work at Adventure Theatre-MTC and New Repertory, Michael Bobbitt has directed or choreographed many shows. He has worked at famous places like Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Center Stage, Roundhouse Theatre, Rorshach Theatre Company, Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, and Washington National Opera. His work has also been seen in other parts of the U.S. and even internationally. This includes the NY Musical Theatre Festival, Mel Tillis 2001, La Jolla Playhouse, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, and the 1996 Olympics.

Making Theater Accessible

A very important part of Michael Bobbitt's work has been making theater available to everyone. He especially tries to reach groups of people who might not usually get to experience theater. He also works to increase diversity in children's theater. He has been a leader in offering Sensory friendly performances for children with autism. These shows are designed to be calmer and more comfortable for kids who might be sensitive to loud noises or bright lights. Adventure Theatre held its first sensory-friendly show, a production of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, in 2008.

Michael Bobbitt has been nominated for and won Helen Hayes Awards. He even helped host the Helen Hayes Award ceremony in 2018. In August 2019, he joined the New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Massachusetts, as their new artistic director.

Early Life and Education

Michael Bobbitt grew up in Washington, D.C. He was one of five sons. His father was an auto mechanic, and his mother was a financial manager. He went to public schools in D.C. until eighth grade. Then, he attended Gonzaga College High School and graduated in 1990. He went to Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania on a scholarship for academics and trumpet playing. After one year, he moved to New York to study at the Dance Theatre of Harlem. He also trained at the Washington Ballet, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, and Cap21.

Awards and Community Work

Michael Bobbitt has received several honors for his work:

• 2015: Excel Leadership Award from the Center for Nonprofit Advancement
• 2015: Maryland Theatre Guide Person of the Year Award
• 2010: County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities – Emerging Leader Award

He also helps his community by serving as a board member for the Rockville (Maryland) Chamber of Commerce and The Nonprofit Village.