Michael was part of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s story for more than 30 years, deeply contributing to our rich and significant history. His first experience with the company was in 1992, participating in a training program. As a performer, he toured extensively for Spare Parts Puppet Theatre for many years before his appointment to Associate Director in 2007. He undertook many roles – director, co-creator, trainer, mentor, puppet maker, teaching artist and writer. His dedication, artistry and presence significantly contributed to what Spare Parts Puppet Theatre has become today.

Michael’s work explores contemporary performance by re-contextualising puppets, objects, and performers on an animated stage, and investigates themes of connection and identity. He directed some of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s most beloved puppetry works including The Little Prince, Carnival of the Animals, Miss Lily’s Fabulous Feather Boa, Nobody Owns the Moon and Fox. As a Co-Creator, he worked with leading Western Australian puppeteers and theatre makers to bring to life works including Show Day, Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge and The Twits

In his role as Associate Director, Michael trained and mentored hundreds of Western Australian performers in the craft of puppetry, leading workshops, masterclasses, artist talks. For many years he facilitated the jewel in the crown of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre’s artist development program – our partnership with WAAPA – delivering puppetry training for Bachelor of Arts (Performing Arts) students.