Michael Ayoub Instructor, Acting for Film and TV

A graduate of the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater in New York City, under the brilliant Sanford Meisner. As an actor, director, producer and teacher, Michael has been an active force in the business for over forty years. He was Co-Founder, Artistic Director and Executive Producer of The Muskoka Festival Theatre from 1972-1991, he established that company as one of the great performing companies in Canada. During that time, Michael produced over 200 productions, many to critical acclaim. He holds over 30 years experience as an actor, giving him a wealth of knowledge to share in the classroom. Michael has been committed to giving Canadian performers their voice, by developing and working with The Music Theatre Colony and the Young Company. Many of his performers have moved ahead to professional careers, both in Canada and the United States. He has served on many juries and assessment panels, most notably the Ontario Arts Council and the Ontario Film Review Board where he was Vice-Chair and Chair of the Policy Committee, during which time he took the initiative and responsibility for changes made to the Provincial Classification Guidelines, having reviewed over one thousand movies and videos submitted to the board. Michael has appeared in numerous film and television productions including Billy Madison, Tuxedo, The Grid, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Forever Knight, Getting Gotti, Street Legal, Execution of Private Slovik, Tom Sawyer and the series lead in Mary and Michael and Mixed Doubles. His theatre credits include, Mr. Bones and Che Guevara for Toronto Workshop Productions directed by George Luscombe in Toronto and Venice, Italy. Claudius and Boy Bishop written and directed by Ken Gass and the premiere production of Bagdad Saloon by George F. Walker for Factory Lab Theatre and Same Time Next Year and Dracula at Muskoka Festival. Plus many award-winning commercials.