Prior to taking up the Executive Directorship of WestWords Michael worked freelance as an arts consultant and strategist, artistic director, CEO, events manager, director and choreographer. He was the Festival Director for the Brisbane Writers Festival (2006-2009), and is a Director of Currency House, and the Chair of its Editorial Committee.

Michael has also worked across the arts in various other capacities including as a TV presenter, librettist, writer, editor, and dancer. He was a principal dancer with West Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet and Oper der Stadt Köln, and has worked for companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare Company and Griffin Theatre Company. He has worked for Opera Australia over the course of almost two decades including directing Madeline Lee, the opera he co-wrote.