Scene Work – Character Camp

Kevin S. Michaels is a producer, director, and is known for his work as an independent filmmaker, particularly in documentaries, where he regularly collaborated with director David Lynch.

His life-long passion shows in the work, where he emphasizes training, mentorship, and creative collaboration. He has consistently nurtured new talent—producing projects by student filmmakers and emerging artists. In 2015, he launched the radio show Friend or Foe on Universal Broadcasting Network, and iHeart Radio. Whether behind the mic, behind the camera, or behind the scenes, Michaels approaches every project with a producer’s precision and an artist’s passion, blending his love of cult cinema with a dedication to developing the next generation of storytellers.

Michaels received performance training at The Groundlings, working under founder Gary Austin, where he studied improvisation and character development in the tradition of sketch comedy and ensemble-based storytelling. He also trained in method acting rooted in the teachings of Stella Adler, focusing on imagination, given circumstances, and the actor’s responsibility to interpret the world of the play with clarity and purpose. This combination of comedic instinct and emotionally grounded technique informs his work both in front of the camera and as a director, blending spontaneity with deep character exploration.