Michele Pawk Joins Wagner Theater Faculty

The Wagner College Theater Department proudly announces that Tony Award-winning actress Michele Pawk will join its faculty this fall. She will teach classes in advanced acting, directing, and the history of American film as well as direct the college's Main Stage production of "Seussical."

Pawk's extensive career includes Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theater, television and film. Recent Broadway credits include "Hairspray," "Cabaret," "Mamma Mia," "Losing Louie" and "Hollywood Arms," for which Michele won the prestigious Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

"Hollywood Arms," directed by Harold Prince, ran for 76 performances in 2002. In the same year, Pawk worked with Harold Prince and Stephen Sondheim in a regional production of "Bounce" and was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Most recently Pawk has been recognised for her work as director, receiving nominations for Best Director of a Musical for a regional production of "West Side Story" at the Creighton University Theater in Omaha.

Pawk's talent as an actor and teacher is matched by a deep sense of humility and gratitude.
"In 2003, my husband and I both were nominated for Tony Awards," she said. "We were seated in Radio City Music Hall with the likes of Vanessa Redgrave, Chita Rivera, Denis O'Hare, Brian Dennehy, and I remember turning to my husband, John, and saying, 'This business is not always easy, but at this moment in time, we are being honored for work we did alongside some of the finest actors of our generation. This is a good moment.' "

With extensive acting and directing experience on stage and screen, coupled with a humble approach to her work, Michele Pawk is poised to provide Wagner students with the sort of experience for which the Wagner College Theater Department has become renowned. Four Wagner grads are currently on Broadway: Renée Marino '04 and Haley Carlucci '08 in "West Side Story," Katie O'Toole '06 in "Jersey Boys," and Monette McKay '07 in "Mama Mia," where - bringing the connections full-circle - McKay performs with Michele Pawk's husband John Dossett.

Pawk looks forward to her arrival at Wagner College and to directing "Seussical," having starred in the 2001 Broadway show as Mazie LaBird alongside Wagner alum and Drama Desk-nominee Janine LaManna '88. This spring Pawk has been working at the City Theater of Pittsburgh, taking on no less than seven roles in Robert Hewett's new play. "The Blonde, The Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead."