Michael J Barnes

Michael J Barnes is Chair and Associate Professor in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University. His expertise spans voice and speech coaching for stage/film, vocal training techniques, and integrating technology into theatre education. He has worked with prominent theatre companies and film productions, including dialect coaching for Sundance Award-winning The Witch.

• Holds an MFA from National Theatre Conservatory and BFA from University of Oklahoma
• Certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework
• Advanced studies at Cambridge University

Research focuses on ancient Greek pronunciation dictionaries and ultrasound biofeedback in voice training. He developed Wayne State's voice/speech curriculum, teaching courses in acting Shakespeare, speech foundations, and accent coaching. Directed 23 university productions including Cabaret, Rent, and Into the Woods.

Served as VASTA President and Fitzmaurice Institute Director of Technology. His writings appear in The Voice & Speech Review and Theatre Journal.