Adam Yankowy

Adam Yankowy is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at Michigan State University's College of Arts & Letters, Department of Theatre. He serves as the Artistic Program Director of the New Musical Laboratory and hosts the radio show "Showtunes Across the Mitten" on WKAR. With over a decade of teaching experience at Drake University, Iowa State University, Grand View University, and Minnesota State University, Yankowy brings extensive expertise to MSU's theatre program.

Yankowy's educational background includes:

• MFA in Musical Theatre, Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Bachelor’s in Music Education, University of Louisville
• Musical Theatre Performance Certificate, AMDA, NYC

Yankowy's creative scholarship centers on musical theatre direction, music direction, and performance practice. His professional portfolio demonstrates deep engagement with both classic and contemporary works including Kinky Boots (Cloris Award nomination), Cabaret (Cloris Award winner), and Fun Home (Cloris Award winner). As Artistic Program Director of the New Musical Laboratory, he actively cultivates new musical theatre works through developmental workshops. His performance career spans Lincoln Center, New York City Center, Carnegie Hall, and international tours, reflecting comprehensive artistry across singing, acting, and dance disciplines.

Yankowy has received significant recognition including:

• Cloris Award Nomination for Direction (Kinky Boots)
• Cloris Award for Music Direction (Cabaret, DMPlayhouse)
• Cloris Award for Music Direction (Fun Home, Iowa Stage)
• Cloris Award (The Monster in Young Frankenstein, DMPlayhouse)
• KCACTF National Recognition (Carrie)

As a faculty mentor, Yankowy guides students in musical theatre performance, direction, and music direction through MSU's Department of Theatre productions and the New Musical Laboratory. His current involvement in productions like "9 to 5: The Musical" demonstrates active integration of professional practice with academic instruction. While specific grant details aren't documented, his leadership in the New Musical Laboratory indicates ongoing commitment to creative research and student development.

Yankowy directs the New Musical Laboratory, MSU's dedicated initiative for developing new musical theatre works. This program provides critical infrastructure for emerging composers, lyricists, and book writers through staged readings and workshops, positioning MSU as a hub for innovative musical theatre creation in the Midwest.