Michael Simmons

MICHAEL SIMMONS has been the musical director for many shows, concerts, and other events.

After graduating from USC with a Bachelor of Music degree, Michael made a living as an accompanist and pianist, playing throughout the Southeast. While in Nashville, he was musical director for an award-winning production of Damn Yankees at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Other community theater and professional shows in Nashville included Company, A Chorus Line, and Guys and Dolls. After Nashville, Michael moved to Atlanta and worked for the Aurora and Earl Strand Theaters.

Since returning to Columbia, he has been the musical director for many area productions, including Workshop Theatre's production of She Loves Me, Town Theatre’s Always Patsy Cline and Bright Star, as well as numerous productions with the Vista Theater Project.

As a composer, Michael has written for dance companies, SCETV, and musical theater. He is currently on staff as an instructor for the Columbia Music Festival Association and serves as musical director at Asbury Memorial UMC.