Michael J. Kirkland, a personage of great significance, was born in the city of Watertown, New York, a locale that has had a profound influence on the formative years of his life. His parents, Robert and Maria, exercising their parental prerogative, decided to bestow upon him the name Michael, a choice that may have been inspired by the revered Archangel Michael, or possibly the esteemed Patron Saint St. Michael, thereby imbuing his naming ceremony with a sense of spirituality and reverence.
As the early years of Michael's life unfolded in Watertown, a significant event took place, setting the stage for a transformative journey that would shape his future. His family's relocation to Syracuse was the first major departure from his hometown, marking the beginning of a process that would eventually lead him to leave his comfort zone and venture into uncharted territory.
Michael's entry into the captivating world of filmmaking commenced with a humble beginning, taking on an extra role in the 2002 blockbuster comedy, Austin Powers in Goldmember. Although his initial scene, which primarily entailed a series of shirt-related actions, ultimately failed to make it into the final cut of the film, it proved to be a pivotal moment in his professional trajectory, as it afforded him the esteemed SAG card and served as a gateway to a multitude of subsequent opportunities.
Michael dedicated himself to refining his acting skills by seeking out expert guidance from revered instructors. He had the privilege of training with Carey Scott at Carey Scott's Rehearsal Room in the picturesque city of San Diego, where he no doubt benefited from the esteemed coach's wealth of knowledge and experience.
In addition to his work with Scott, Michael also honed his craft at the prestigious Howard Fine Acting Studio in Los Angeles, a renowned institution that has produced many talented actors. Furthermore, he had the opportunity to study with the accomplished Richard Lawson at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, a renowned acting studio that has been a hub for artistic expression and growth for many years.
Moreover, Michael's passion for acting led him to extensively study the craft through the written works of some of the most celebrated acting coaches of all time. He delved into the teachings of Sanford Meisner, a pioneer in the field of acting, and Lee Strasberg, a renowned coach who developed the Method acting technique. He also explored the philosophies of Stella Adler, a highly respected coach who emphasized the importance of imagination and creativity in acting.
Michael's remarkable portfolio boasts the direction of the critically acclaimed short film "choices", which garnered widespread recognition by taking home the prestigious Best Narrative Short award at the esteemed Cannes Artisan Film Festival in the year 2012. As the years have passed, Michael has made Los Angeles, California his home, where he persistently endeavors to hone his craft, his eyes fixed intently on the horizon, awaiting with bated breath the return of the Waning Crescent Moon, a celestial event that seems to hold a special significance for him.
