Michael Kennedy (she/her/hers) is a playwright, director, actor, teacher, and producer based in New York’s Capital Region. Current role with WAM: Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Selected Artistic Credits: Michael has written and directed 14 plays and 5 films, addressing multiple social issues, including substance use disorder, racism, classism, housing instability/homelessness, suicide, sex trafficking, anti-war activism, re-entry after incarceration, and caretaking. She has acted in stage productions since she was a teenager, participated as an actor in Forensic Interviewing Training for child sexual abuse for 15 years, and has extensive experience as a Playback Theater conductor. Educational/Childcare experience:  Michael wrote and directed 7 plays with high school students as a teacher with the NYS Theatre Institute Theatre Arts School and SummerStage programs. She is a trainer in Creative Group Work, acting, creating safe spaces for theater work, and group building. Creative inspiration: Michael is inspired by every artist who is using their work to educate, advocate and encourage audience members to take direct action in their own communities for social justice. Community Engagement/Activist work:  Michael has over 30 years of experience working in both human services and theater. Creative Action Unlimited is the synthesis of her extensive experience working directly with marginalized populations and her experience as a theater maker. Each of the stage and film productions at Creative Action Unlimited are original scripts, developed collaboratively,  about specific social issues. In addition, Creative Action Unlimited is the umbrella organization for the Social Justice Artists Collective, a group of artists of various disciplines whose work intersects with social activism. Membership/Affiliations: Founder and Artistic Director of Creative Action Unlimited; member of the Dramatists Guild. Selected training: BS in Human Development, MS in Community Psychology, extensive training in psychodrama and creative group work.  Awards/proudest achievements: Michael’s proudest achievement is knowing that, for over 30 years, she designed and developed compassionate, respectful and effective programs for individuals who faced multiple personal challenges, including trauma, addiction, and violence. She is also proud of the collaborative relationships she continues to foster among artists, community organizations and educational institutions. Final word: After years of admiring the WAM’s mission and commitment to excellence, Michael is honored to be joining the team as a Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Connect: creativeactionunlimited.com