Shannon Michael Wamser
About Shannon Michael
Shannon Michael Wamser currently serves as Professor of Practice in the Musical Theatre Conservatory of Molloy University/CAP21, where he teaches Actor Movement, Stage Combat, Acting, and Shakespeare. Wamser is an Actor/Writer/Fight Director based in New York City.
As an actor, Wamser has been seen on stages around the U.S., including The Public Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Playhouse on Park, Northern Stage and several Shakespeare festivals. Recent credits include Fight Directing Watson and Holmes in Apt 2B performing in The Complete Works of Jane Austen Abridged; and Fight Directing and performing in The Play That Goes Wrong (Nominated for best choreography and best supporting performer, Broadway World Raleigh Awards). His award winning indie film, "The Thing Before the Thing," (co-writer/actor/executive producer) is available on Amazon Prime.
As a producer/director, he founded companies in New York and Los Angeles. His work as a director and writer has been seen in New York City, the Edinburgh Fringe, and with Teatre Polski in Poznan, Poland. He is a recognized Associate Instructor and Advanced Actor Combatant with Dueling Arts, International. Fight directing credits include 59E59, Laguna Playhouse, New York Theatre Workshop.
As an educator, Wamser has taught with Center Theatre Group, Laguna Playhouse, The Pasadena Playhouse, BAM, The Shakespeare Society, The Professional Performing Arts School, Stevens College, University of Hartford and The University of Miami. He holds a B.A. from DeSales University and M.F.A. from Ohio University. He has continued his training with Padova Arts in Padua, Italy (certified in the pedagogy of Jaques Lecoq), with Movement Theatre Studio (NYC), and the SITI Company, and is a graduate of Upright Citizens Brigade Improv School. He serves on the Governing Body of Dueling Arts, International, and is a member of The National Alliance of Acting Teachers, SAG-AFTRA, and AEA.
My aim is to help students gain clarity and conviction in their own artistic voice, and to express it with courage and integrity; to empower them to know that no matter their identity, background, or personal challenges, they can bring their story to the world and deserve to share their voice. By creating safe, supportive spaces where young artists can explore their artistry, can strive, fail, and strive again, and can open themselves to each other’s ideas and experiences, I seek to develop performers who are bold collaborators with their own individual creativity and vision; collaborative artists ready with the skills to help fulfill other artists’ dreams, and the courage and tenacity to fulfill their own.