Mikael Burke

About Me

Mikael Burke is a nationally-recognized black queer director, deviser, and educator based in Chicago. 

A Princess Grace Award-winner and two-time Joseph Jefferson Award-winning director, Mikael has also been recognized with a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Directing (2022), and as one of New City Magazine’s 50 Players of Chicago (Theatre) in 2023 & 2025. In addition to his teaching and directing at CCPA, Mikael is an Artistic Associate at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company in Chicago, as well as at About Face Theatre, where he previously served as Associate Artistic Director.

Recent directing credits include:

• OAK by Terry Guest (Raven Theatre, Chicago, IL)
• A TALE OF TWO CITIES, adapted by Brendan Pelsue (Shattered Globe Theatre, Chicago, IL, winner of 4 Joseph Jefferson Awards)
• SHORT SHAKES! ROMEO & JULIET (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago, IL)
• NOTES FROM THE FIELD by Anna Deveare Smith (TimeLine Theatre, Chicago, IL)
• THE SALVAGERS by Harrison David Rivers (World Premiere, Yale Repertory Theatre, New Haven, CT)
• TAMBO & BONES by Dave Harris (Refracted Theatre Company, Chicago, IL, winner of 8 Joseph Jefferson Awards)
• CLYDE’S by Lynn Nottage (Theaterworks Hartford, Hartford, CT, winner of 1 CCC Award)
• THE MAGNOLIA BALLET by Terry Guest (About Face Theatre, Chicago, IL, winner of 2 Joseph Jefferson Awards)

When we come to the theatre to share in witnessing a story, we silently make a pact: for just a while, we all agree to believe what unfolds before our eyes. The imaginary becomes real because we believe it, and when that belief is rewarded, our experience is transcendent, our hearts and minds are changed.

My theatre is one that fosters and celebrates your imagination and belief. Rather than Realism, I practice Feelism; stagecraft which feels real, truthful, honest, regardless of whether it appears real, employing impression and suggestion to invite you to create the story with us. Like Black church and Ballroom, my work is participatory, call and response, communion, your active presence completes the experience. Imagination and belief then become a great equalizer, enabling all of us to truly see ourselves in one another, proving that despite our perceived differences and our many truths, we are all only human.