Director Michael Bush Will Depart Eugene O'Neill Center's Cabaret Conference

By Adam Hetrick
21 Sep 2012

Michael Bush
Michael Bush
Photo by Monica Simoes

Michael Bush, who has served as artistic director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's Cabaret and Performance Conference for the past eight years, will depart his role there to pursue increased directorial work.

According to the O'Neill, Bush presented over 100 evenings to acclaim and expanding audiences during his tenure at the Waterford, CT, arts center. Numerous performers including Penny Fuller, Barry Kleinbort, Joel Silberman, Leslie Uggams, Amanda McBroom, Lillias White, Marilyn Maye and Jonathan Brielle, showcased work there during the Cabaret and Performance Conference.

During Bush's time at the O'Neill, he was also instrumental in developing the musicals [title of show], The Story of My Life and Now. Here. This.

Bush exits the O'Neill to become a founding partner in Tritone Productions, a new company dedicated to developing new work. He will also continue to develop the new musicals Stormy Weather, The Piper and Himself and Nora, which he recently directed at NYMF.

"Eight years by any standard is a long run and I am grateful for every minute of it," Bush said in a statement. "But the time has come for me to move on and fully concentrate on my career as a director. Happily, several of my recent directing projects are taking flight and I need to be fully available to bring them to full fruition. I would like to thank all of the amazingly talented artists who participated in these conferences over the years and to let them know that they will always have a special place in my heart. I look forward to working with them again in the future."

Bush is the former director of artistic production and associate artistic director for the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City.

The O'Neill Center has not announced plans for Bush's successor.

For more information, visit www.theoneill.org.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center was founded in 1964 and is based in Waterford, CT. Programs at the Center include the Puppetry Conference, Playwrights Conference, Critics Institute, Music Theater Conference and the National Theater Institute. The Monte Cristo Cottage, O'Neill's childhood home, is also owned and operated by the group.