Michael studied acting and directing at Lamar University in Texas where he attended on both theatre and academic scholarships and worked in the scene shop building sets for work study. While studying there, he performed twice at the American College Theatre Festival and would return home in the summers to San Antonio to act and direct for The Actor's Theatre of San Antonio. Upon graduation, Michael moved to Austin where he performed in dozens of productions at regional and community theaters and appeared in multiple student and independent films. After an approximate 20 year hiatus, he returned to acting in numerous productions throughout central Florida.