Michael Rasbury

Michael Rasbury serves as Associate Professor of Sound Design in the Department of Drama at the University of Virginia and Director of the Miller Arts Scholars program. His professional practice bridges academic instruction with extensive work as a sound designer and composer for major theater institutions nationwide, including Off-Broadway productions and prominent Shakespeare festivals.

His creative research focuses on theatrical sound design, environmental sound documentation, and musical theater composition. Through EarthRecordings.org, he systematically archives natural soundscapes to explore ecological narratives in artistic contexts. His stage work investigates how sonic environments shape emotional resonance and storytelling in live performance, particularly in experimental and classical theater settings.

Notable creative outputs include the musical Max (2015 San Francisco premiere) and Max Understood (Off-Broadway 2009 production following 2008 development at the Eugene O'Neill National Music Theatre Conference). He designed sound for Transport Group's Hello Again (Drama Desk nominee) and And Away We Go, and earned a 2011 Helen Hayes nomination for Henry VIII at the Folger Shakespeare Library. His compositional portfolio spans the Lake Tahoe, Colorado, and Illinois Shakespeare Festivals, The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama (continuous since 2006), Humana Festival, and The Public Theater.

As Director of Miller Arts Scholars, he leads a selective undergraduate program providing comprehensive artistic development through dedicated funding, studio resources, mentorship, and curated performance opportunities within UVA's vibrant arts ecosystem.