Casting Director

MICHAEL DONOVAN has been active in the entertainment industry for over 25 years. Born to a piano teacher (and former acting student) mother, Michael's interests in performing and the arts were very much encouraged. After graduating with a degree in both Fine Arts and English from St. Michael's College in Vermont, Michael immediately got professional work as
an actor in summer stock in Keene, New Hampshire. He then moved to New York City, to continue his pursuit of an acting/directing career.

Quickly finding work as an actor, he was cast in four successive national tours. In between tours, Michael began directing regional and dinner theatre productions. He was also fortunate to find work as an actor in both film and commercials. After moving to Los Angeles, Michael appeared in numerous theatre productions, such as the L.A. premiere of the Broadway hit "Gemini." His performance in "Gorey Stories" was nominated for a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award. During this time he was elected President of the highly-regarded West Coast Ensemble theatre, and he is still a member of its Board of Directors. Michael continued to get acting work in TV, film and commercials. Michael remained busy as a director, helming numerous theatre productions over the years, such as "Amadeus" and "30 Years in 60 Seconds," and he is still busy to this day. His most recent production was the world premiere of "Red Tie, Green Tie." His productions have won numerous awards, and have received many Critics Choice and Best Best mentions.

Michael's directing background actually led him to casting. Casting director Beth Holmes saw one of his theatre productions, was very impressed with the direction of the piece, and came backstage to ask if he would be interested in directing casting sessions -- and a new career was born. Michael worked for Beth and, later, Megan Foley (of Megan Foley Casting), eventually becoming Megan's partner, casting numerous commercials. Realizing he also wanted to cast theatrically, he teamed up with former agent Jeff Hardwick, and formed Donovan & Hardwick Casting. Michael and Jeff have recently decided to pursue separate careers, and Michael now has his own company, Michael Donovan Casting.

Michael Donovan Casting is a full-service casting company, casting for film, TV, theatre and commercials -- as well as having its own studio in Beverly Hills. Over the years, Michael's credits now include over 30 films, 9 TV series, pilots, movies-of-the-week, industrials, numerous theatre productions, and over 1,000 commercials. Michael is very much in demand
as an acting teacher, having taught at such places as the Stella Adler Academy, and the American Film Institute. Michael's relationship with A.F.I. is long-standing and continuing, casting their Television Writers' Workshop and numerous short films. Michael does a great deal of private coaching, and also teaches his own personal classes. Michael is both a member of C.S.A. (the Casting Society of America) and an officer of the C.C.D.A. (the Commercial Casting Directors’ Association).


Filmography

Casting Director

Comedy Hell
Quality Time
Scrambled
Winded
Devious Beings
Falling, In Love
Teddy Bear’s Picnic
The Rose Technique
Repossessed
Forbidden City
Random Acts
Separate Ways
Out There
Closing the Deal
Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists
The Jersey
Medal of Honor
Psycho Too
War Dogs: America’s Forgotten Heroes
Magic Jersey
Real Story
Simple As a Dog
Super Adventure Team
Bailey Kipper’s P.O.V,
The Eddie Files
Fudge
Problem Child 3: Junior in Love
Fudge-A-Mania