Applied Mechanics was thrilled to learn that Michael Osinski was moving back to town. He is known to many of us here in Philly as one of the founders of Flashpoint Theater Company. He is also a talented director and all around good guy. We also heard through the grapevine that he is an awesome arts administrator, and after interviewing lots of folks for the position of administrating “hired gun”, Mike was our unanimous choice. We are super psyched to be part of his re-introduction back into the community. So here’s some gettin’ to know you chit chat to give you the scoop on Mike!
Bio:
I’m a theatre director, deviser, educator, and administrator who hails from Syracuse, New York. I’m a co-founder of Flashpoint Theatre Company, where I directed six Philadelphia premieres and served as the Managing Director and the Producing Artistic Director. I got my BA in Theatre Arts (and French) from Drew University and my MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. I was a 2014 Drama League Directing Fellow, and I got to assist director Rachel Chavkin of The TEAM on a production at The Old Globe. Currently I’m developing a piece in Chicago called Homo Andronicus, which mashes up Shakespeare with aspects of religious fanaticism and contemporary pop culture.
What I do for Applied Mechanics:
I’m the Administrator. Basically I prevent things from slipping through the cracks, so the Mechanicians can focus more on creating new work than on dealing with administrative tasks. I draft contracts. I organize donation records. I assist with completing grant applications and finding new prospective grants. I’m helping the company get super organized so it can grow into something bigger.
How I got back to Philly:
Once I finished my MFA in Chicago, I realized I missed Philadelphia. Specifically the kind of work being created there and the friends I made there. Also my partner is currently getting his MFA in Voice and Speech Pedagogy through the Harvard/A.R.T. program, and I wanted to be closer to him. I saw the post for the Administrator position at Applied Mechanics and thought that would be a great way to rejoin the Philadelphia theatre community.
Top 5 favorite theatre pieces (in no particular order):
Eurydice – Wilma Theater
I’ve always loved the way Blanka blends wild theatricality with heartfelt storytelling. This production still haunts me.
Far Away – Flashpoint Theatre Company
I love an apocalyptic fairy tale. This remains one of my favorite things I’ve ever directed. I think we did Caryl Churchill justice.
Pay Up – Pig Iron Theatre Company
I’m still not entirely sure what this piece was about, but I still reference this as one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking immersive theatrical experiences I’ve ever had.
Arguendo – Elevator Repair Service
I love it when theatre artists find a way to effectively blend humanity and technology. This “re-staging” of Supreme Court arguments was silly yet intellectual, kooky yet inspired.
Western Society – Gob Squad
I also love when artists turn the more pedestrian elements of pop culture – like the supposedly least-watched YouTube video of all time – and turn it into art. When I saw this in LA, one of my students from the Cherubs program actually got chosen to be part of the piece.
My favorite guilty pleasure:
When I have access to cable, I watch nothing but Food Network. I find it oddly calming. I’ve never met any of the network personalities, yet I feel like I know them. In fact, even though I cook and bake fairly regularly, I rarely make any of the recipes I see them make on TV. I just like having them on in the background.
The closest I have been to death:
Many years ago one of my best friends attempted suicide, and I was with her right after she took the pills. I remember how each one of my friends coped with it – one had panic attacks, one went into “den mother” mode, and one obsessively cleaned our bathroom. I ended up using the whole incident as raw material for a poem for my creative writing class. I still think it’s one of the greatest things I’ve written. My friend is doing great now, but at the time it felt like the world was ending.
What I like and dislike about Chicago:
There are lots of things I like and miss about Chicago. I miss the food – the Chicago dogs, the deep dish pizza, the various restaurants of Top Chef Stephanie Izard. I miss Lake Michigan – you’re never that far from a large body of water in Chicago. However, I’m not a huge fan of Chicago winters (obviously). Also I don’t think the Chicago theatergoing public has an appetite for legitimately experimental work, which is a big reason why I’m glad to be back in Philadelphia.