Michael Burns(6th grade) grew up in Provo, Utah and graduated from Timpview High School. He holds degrees in Theatre from Brigham Young University, Southern Methodist University, and Drama Studio London. He has worked professionally in the Shakespeare festival circuit, and is a founding member of Handcart Ensemble theater group in New York City. He is also a Fulbright research grantee, researching Asian and children’s theater.

Michael was a full-time professor teaching acting, movement, and children’s theatre at Eastern Connecticut State University, Transpacific College, and Westminster College. He has been educating children in theatre for several years in Dallas; New York City; Salt Lake City; Seoul, Korea; and Honolulu. He is an experienced educator with children, grades K–12, and is currently on the Utah artist roster as a drama specialist. He is very excited to transition to a full-time teacher in the elementary classroom this fall. Michael is a resident of Daybreak and his son will be attending second grade at ELA this fall as well.