Theatre Tuscaloosa Welcomes New Executive Producer Michael Thomas Walker

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Theatre Tuscaloosa on Wednesday announced the hiring of Michael Thomas Walker as its new executive producer.

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Walker joins the organization with an extensive background in arts, performance and higher education, bringing more than two decades of experience to his leadership role.

The news comes after Patch reported that longtime executive producer Tina Turley retired in August after 18 years of service.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Michael’s vision and passion guiding us into the future,” the organization said in a statement. “He is not only an accomplished actor, director, and playwright—he is a true expert of his craft.”

Walker has spent the last 11 years teaching acting and voice at the University of Montevallo, where he also served as chair of the Theatre Department for the past three years.

Walker has a bachelor's degree in theatre from The University of Alabama and later completed his master of fine arts in acting from Rutgers University.

Before transitioning to academia, Walker worked for more than 13 years in New York City as a professional actor and director.

His Off-Broadway credits include work with Classic Stage Company, New Light Theater Project, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Jean Cocteau Repertory, and Boomerang Theater Company. He has also performed on national tours, including "Hairspray" (Edna Turnblad) and "Seussical the Musical" (Horton the Elephant).

Walker’s film and television appearances include "Boardwalk Empire," "Dirty Little Secret," "Now That’s Cute," and "Non-Stop."

As a playwright, Walker is a recipient of the Wildacres Playwriting Residency and a finalist for the Edna St. Vincent Millay Colony Residency.

His solo show BUBBA earned multiple awards, including Best Variety Show at the United Solo Festival, and was featured on NPR’s "Tales From The South."

Walker is also co-author of "Canfield Drive," which premiered at The Black Repertory Theatre in St. Louis and later appeared at the National Black Theatre Festival.

His additional work includes co-creating the devised plays "Septic" and "A Buzz in the Bankhead," as well as recent performances with Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham as part of their Human Rights Festival, helping develop the new musicals "Bar Mitzvah in Birmingham" and "She Reached for Heaven."

Beyond his artistic achievements, Walker is a dedicated husband and father.

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