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MICHAEL JONES


4960 N. Marine Dr., Chicago IL 60640, Unit 219 • 773.655.6066 • mike@ptdya.org
EXPERIENCE

Executive Director and Co-Founder 2008-Present (Incorporated in 2011)
Professional Theatre and Dance Youth Academy, Chicago IL

  • Vision: Co-founded a performing arts non-profit organization to provide quality arts programming
    for underserved youth in Chicago.
  • Finance: Manage organizational budget for multiple school sites and general operations
  • Fundraising: Oversee fundraising initiatives including silent auctions, presentations for donors,
    development of the ongoing case for support, soliciting major gifts, and grants.
  • Programming: Provided artistic direction, instruction, staffing for multiple school sites including
    UChicago Charter School, Wadsworth, Urban Prep Academy, and Ralph Ellison


All-City Performing Arts Dance Director 2017-2020
Chicago Public Schools

  • Choreographed and directed top dance students from throughout the city of Chicago.


Choreographer Summers 2009-2010
Long Lake Camp for the Arts

  • Choreographer for advanced musical theatre camp intensive for students from all over the world.


Theatre and Dance Director and Instructor 2006-2008
University of Chicago Charter School, Chicago IL

  • Built arts department and managed budget for UChicago Charter School Woodlawn Campus
  • Developed arts curriculum for grades 6-12, evaluated student progress through written work and
    performance opportunities, planned enrichment field trips
  • Developed partnerships on behalf of the charter school with Chicago arts institutions


Director of After School Arts Programming 2005-2007
Chicago Public Schools, Chicago IL

  • Directed student after school performing arts programs at Tilton Elementary, Persian West,
    Ames Elementary, and Emmett Till Math and Science Academy
  • Choreographed diverse urban and musical theatre pieces for community performances


Co-Director and Choreographer 2003-2008
BRAVO! Performing Arts Academy, Oak Park, IL

  • Co-wrote and choreographed productions for the school year and summer season
  • Managed 150-student program, grades 4-8, multi-run shows, sold-out audiences
EDUCATION B.A. Musical Theatre | Minor in Speech | St. Mary of the Plains, Dodge City, KS | June 1983
HONORS
  • Arts Education Advisory Council, Americans for the Arts, 2020-Present
  • Board Member, Madison Street Theater, 2020-Present
  • Life Changers Award, Chicago Music Awards, 2015
  • Associate Director, The Young Americans, 2010-2015
  • Outstanding Choreography, Disney’s Junior Theatre Festival, 2009
  • Outstanding High School Teaching Practices Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 2008
  • Board of Directors, Black Theatre Alliance Awards, 2008-2009
  • Nominee Best Actor in a Musical, Black Theatre Alliance Awards, Chicago, IL, 2008.


PERFORMANCE


STAGE

The Wiz
Blast to the Past
Spotlight on Broadway
Hip-Hop Magic
The Palm Beach Club
Jedlicka Performing Arts Center
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
“Woozland” Theme Park, Taiwan
Cannes, France
Tin Man
Bobby
Featured Singer
Manager/Performer
Featured Dancer

DINNER THEATER

Williamsburg Dinner Theatre
Tibbies Music Hall
Baxter’s Street Dinner Theatre
The Sandpiper
The Young Americans Theatre
Boyne Highlands Dinner Theatre
Spirit of Chicago
Traverse City, Michigan
Seal Beach, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Atlanta, GA
Harbor Springs, MI
Huntington Beach, CA
Chicago, IL
Singer/Dancer/Host /Emcee
Singer/Dancer/Host /Emcee
Choreographer/Asst. Director
Choreographer/Asst. Director
Asst. Company Manager
Singer/Dancer
Singer/Dancer

TOURING

Liberace
The Young Americans
The Young Americans
The Young Americans
Fuji Film
Eastern U.S. Tour
European Tour
Broadway & Hollywood
Hawaiian Tour
Japan Tour
Dancer
Singer/Dancer
Singer/Dancer
Singer/Dancer
Featured Artist

CRUISE SHIPS

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Holland America Lines
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises
Variety Headliner
Variety Headliner
Variety Headliner
Featured Artist
Featured Singer/ Variety
Headliner

HOST

Dance Excellence, McQuitty Prod.
Labor Day Soul Cruise
A Christmas Spectacular
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
Traverse City, MI

TELEVISION

The Big Date
The Party Machine
British Columbia Television Special
KTLA Studios, Los Angeles
Paramount Picture Studios
Audience Warm Up
Featured Dancer
Singer/Dancer