Draft:Michael McILwee



Michael McILwee
McILwee at the Emmy Awards in 2024
Born (1990-07-18) July 18, 1990 (age 35)
Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Education
OccupationsAuthor, actor, dancer, journalist
Years active2010–present
Notable workA Summer with Dean

Michael McILwee (born July 18, 1990) is an American author, actor, dancer, and journalist. He has appeared in Broadway and national stage productions, performed in television roles, and published the novel A Summer with Dean (2026). In addition to his performing and writing career, McILwee worked as a producer and reporter for WCTV, the CBS-affiliated television station serving Tallahassee, Florida.

Early life and education

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McILwee was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He began performing at a young age and trained in musical theatre and dance.

He graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City in 2010 with a degree in Musical Theatre. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre from The New School in New York City in 2018, and later completed a Master of Arts in Journalism at New York University.

In 2019, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London through their summer program, an experience that inspired his debut novel, A Summer with Dean.[1]

Acting career

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McILwee appeared in the Broadway national tour of The Music Man, performing in over 500 shows and understudying the role of Tommy Djilas.[2]

In 2013, he toured with the national production of A Chorus Line, serving as a swing and understudying the principal roles of Bobby, Mike, and Mark. When not performing a principal role, he portrayed ensemble dancers who were cut early in the musical. He worked under choreographer and director Baayork Lee, an original Broadway cast member.[3]

He also performed in regional stage productions, including Oliver! where he served as dance captain.[4]

McILwee has appeared in television productions, including Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and HBO's The Plot Against America.

Journalism career

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McILwee worked as a journalist and digital producer for WCTV, the CBS affiliate serving Tallahassee, Florida. His reporting and newsroom work included political coverage and digital news production.[5]

In 2022, McILwee received a Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists award for Best Website Digital Coverage for his work at WCTV News.[6]

Writing

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In 2026, McILwee published his debut novel, A Summer with Dean. The book follows two actors attending an acting program in London and received media coverage including a feature in *The Times‑Tribune* about his journey and return to his hometown.[7]

Image

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Michael McILwee at the Emmy Awards in 2024

Bibliography

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  • A Summer with Dean (2026)

Awards and recognition

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  • Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists — Best Website Digital Coverage (2022)

References

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  1. "Michael McILwee". michaelmcilwee.com. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  2. "Michael McILwee". michaelmcilwee.com. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  3. "Next in line: Dickson City native understudies starring roles in A Chorus Line". TheTimes-Tribune.com. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  4. "BWW Interviews: OLIVER! Dance Captain Considers Himself a Ballet Dancer at Heart". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  5. "Michael McILwee". MuckRack. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  6. "2022 Professional Winners". FloridaNewsAwards.org. Retrieved April 5, 2026.
  7. "Area Native Headed Home to Promote Debut Book". Yahoo! Entertainment. Retrieved April 5, 2026.

Category:American journalists Category:American male stage actors Category:American authors Category:People from Scranton, Pennsylvania Category:1990 births Category:Living people