Michele Schultz

Michele is the founder and President of TaskMaskers, Inc., a company that designs, builds, and performs in mask, specializing in the Commedia dell' Arte style. A lover of Commedia dell' Arte since her youth, she is a veteran of Renaissance Faires performing for over 10 years.  She received her BFA in Acting from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts.  Upon graduation, Michele toured the country with the Chamber Repertory Theater of Boston, and you can even catch a quick glimpse of her in "Forrest Gump."  She returned to her studies to attend the Dellarte School of Physical Theater in Blue Lake, California.  There, she learned mask making and performance, mime, acrobatics, melodrama, clowning, and Commedia dell' Arte. 

Upon returning to Maryland and her beloved cats, she created TaskMaskers and it's performance company, "Teatro! di Pecorino Romano."   With this company, she has learned how to crack a whip, manipulate a marionette, and fake a great Italian accent…all while performing Shakespeare.  Michele has taken the commedia off the stage and into the streets making her primary performance mask, Stupina, a personable walk around character who has performed at both faires and modern day events.

Michele has taught Commedia at a number of locations, including the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in Washington, DC, the Signstage Theater in Cincinnati, Ohio, and both the Young Actors’ Ensemble and the Genesius Actor’s Training Program at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Additionally, Michele works with various companies in the area doing both palm and tarot card readings for parties and events…And she still has those cats.