Michael Rader

About

Celebrated stage director best known for his extensive resume of directing credits, which include Cirque du Soleil's production of Varekai and the Broadway national tour of A Christmas Story. He has also served as the Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil. During his tenure as the Producing Artistic Director of The Cape Playhouse, several of his productions saw record-breaking box office sales and the venue was recognized as one of the "50 Best Small Stage Theatres in America." His significant impact also led The Cape Playhouse to experience largescale growth and improvement which included a substantial increase in ticket sales and a resurgence of subscribers.

Before Fame

After graduating from Alter High School in OH, he studied musical theatre at Wright State University and Baldwin-Wallace College, graduating with a BFA in 2001. He also obtained an MFA in directing from Pace University The Actors Studio Drama School.

Trivia

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he transformed programming at The Cape Playhouse to include offerings such as outdoor concerts and a streaming production of A Christmas Carol. He also helped implement The Gertrude Lawrence Awards.

Family Life

In 2023, his direction of the new play, The Exhibitionist, was declared the winner of the Solo Flights Festival. Among his extensive list of humanitarian credits, he has served as the Director of Entertainment for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. 

Associated With

He directed the award-winning new play The Exhibitionist in 2023, which starred comedian and actor Jeff Hiller.