Michelle Walson
Writer / Director / Producer
Story is the foundation of everything I do.
As the founding producer of the live storytelling show and podcast, RISK!, I've been helping actors, writers and comedians shape the true stories they tell on stage at RISK!'s monthly live shows at The Bell House in Brooklyn and in other venues around the country since 2009. I've developed stories with SNL’s Rachel Dratch, Comedy Central’s Lisa Lampanelli, The Daily Show’s Aasif Mandvi, This American Life’s Starlee Kine, The Moth’s Dan Kennedy, actress Lili Taylor, and more.
I’ve directed solo shows for the L.A. Women’s Theatre Festival, The PIT’s SOLOCOM and The Tank Theater's Dark Festival and SoloWeek.
I've edited memoirs, most notably, Mr. Funny Pants by Michael Showalter (The State, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer). As developmental editor, I helped Michael translate his comedic persona from the stage to the page.
I’ve taught storytelling at The PIT, The Story Studio and The Women in Comedy Festival. My students have gone on to win Moth StorySLAMs, develop solo shows and publish memoirs.
I've led corporate storytelling workshops for clients including Meredith Publishing (Parents Magazine), Strategy& Consulting at PwC, and CitiBank.
I’ve written and performed stories at The 92Y Tribeca and The PIT and have been featured on the RISK! and Modern Stories podcasts.
I’ve written and directed short films, including Chin Up, which won the Audience Choice Award at the 2012 Atlanta Shortsfest and Best Graduate Film at NYU’s 2013 Fusion Film Festival.
All of my degrees prepared me to help others express their stories across various media. I have an MFA in Film Production from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, an MS in Television Production from Boston University and a BA in Creative Writing from Brown University.