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Michael Kushner, NYC’s leading multi-hyphenate, joins Andrew in the ITBR for a show-stopping discourse. He obtained his BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College, served as the Director of Programming for The Green Room 42, is the Executive Producer of the Emmy nominated web series “Indoor Boys,” and he’s the owner of Michael Kushner Photography whose photographs have been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, The Tony Awards, Playbill, and more. He is the creator of The Dressing Room Project, which is dedicated to photographing actors on and off-Broadway. He is the creator of the podcast Dear Multi-Hyphenate (Broadway Podcast Network) and the author of “How to be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business: Conversations, Advice, and Tips from Dear Multi-Hyphenate.”

Michael talks all about the term “multi-hyphenate.” When he first searched up the term, he noticed how the definition seemed to only encapsulate celebrities that pursue multiple professional projects…but should the term only apply to celebrities? Michael shares how he changed the definition of multi-hyphenate in order to include any artist that has multiple proficiencies. 

Michael also dives deep into Broadway. He emphasizes that you do not need a BFA in order to successfully reach Broadway stardom, but rather anyone from any background with the confidence and talent can achieve it. He mentions how Broadway looks different for everyone. Some people see the dream as unattainable, while others are born into the industry just an arm’s length away. 

Head over to the ITBR Cafe, our Patreon, to hear the tea on upcoming musicals…Only $5 a month! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom

Make sure to pick up Michael’s book, “How to be a Multi-Hyphenate in the Theatre Business: Conversations, Advice, and Tips from Dear Multi-Hyphenate”: https://www.routledge.com/How-to-Be-a-Multi-Hyphenate-in-the-Theatre-Business-Conversations-Advice/Kushner/p/book/9781032184159

Check out Michael’s podcast, Dear Multi-Hyphenate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-multi-hyphenate/id1432770164

Be sure to follow Michael on Instagram @themichaelkushner, and TikTok @themichaelkushner. 

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Thanks to the ITBR team! Andrew Rimby (Executive Director), Mary DiPipi (Chief Contributor), and our Spring 23 Interns (Andrea, Kaitlyn, Rosie, Sara, and Sheila)