Michael grew up in small town in Massachusetts. From a young age, he was exposed to electronics and computers. He taught himself how to solder, build electronic circuits and program in BASIC. In Elementary School, Michael was entered in the Talented and Gifted program. The school had an Apple II and he learned how to use it. He taught the students and teachers how to work on this machine.
In High School, he got involved in electronics troubleshooting, TV and Theatre. Michael worked with the school technician helping to troubleshoot and fix the electronic devices in the school. The technician introduced him to Amateur Radio and he got his ham license. In TV, he learned non-linear video editing on U-Matic decks, audio editing, running the Commodore Amiga and the Video Toaster. Michael was also asked to work in the theatre program doing lights and sound as well.
When Michael graduated High School, he went on to Wentworth Technical School for Telecommunications. There he learned to troubleshoot computers and RF equipment. He then joined the Army National Guard. Michael served in the Guard for 8 years as a Multi-channel Communication Equipment Operator (MOS 31M). While he was in the guard, he started college at Wentworth Institute of Technology for Electronics Engineering. Some of the classes he took included electronics, fiber optics, computer programming in C++, technical writing and presentation. While in college, Michael acted as the Technical Director of both the Drama Club and the college radio station. He also worked freelance as a lighting and sound technician.
After graduating from Wentworth with a BSEE, Michael started his MFA at Boston University. While there, he took classes in music and theatre. Michael designed a few shows both in and out of Boston University. He also had the opportunity to assist a few designers on Huntington Theatre Company shows. Michael's thesis was a production of the show "A Love Suicide at Schofield Barracks". He mounted the production and did the sound design for it. While in college, Michael interned at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly MA and Boston Light and Sound in Boston MA.
After graduating from BU, Michael moved to Connecticut to work part time at the Greater Hartford Academy of The Arts. He was the Technical Coordinator for the Theatre Department. He designed sound for the main stage shows and taught technical theatre classes. While working there, he worked freelance in Connecticut in lighting, sound and video. In order to work full time, Michael moved to Oswego to work and teach at the State University of New York. He was the Technical Coordinator for the theatre department. While there, he was the lighting and sound supervisor, taught classes in sound and technical theatre, designed sound for the main stage shows, maintained the department's web site and was the production photographer.
After 2 1/2 years at the State University, Michael moved back to Connecticut to be closer to family. He started working at Theaterworks in Hartford. Michael was the Master Electrician and Master Audio for the theatre. He was responsible for the lighting and sound systems, assisted the Technical Director with CAD work, assisted the lighting and sound designers with their needs. After working there for 2 years, the position was redefined and Michael moved on to working freelance.
Presently, Michael is working at the University of Hartford as the Audio and Computer Technician for the College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture. While there, he is installing and maintaining the audio studio equipment, installing and maintaining the department's computer systems and network.
Michael is also working freelance as a Sound Designer, Sound Engineer, Lighting and Video Technician in Connecticut. He has been working with a few companies as well as individual persons. Most notably, Michael has been working with Pro Systems and Advanced Lighting and Sound out of Manchester Connecticut and he has been programming the LED lighting on the Bulkeley Bridge.
Recently, Michael has started a company with friend and cohort in audio gymnastics, Matthew Boudreau. The company is Aural Stage Studios and is currently working on a few shows. There are links to Aural Stage as well as his own projects in the Links section.
If you would like to hire Michael to work for you or your company, please e-mail him at ymnhefty@yahoo.com.