Michael Bofshever, creator and moderator of the Journey of the Working Actor seminar sponsored by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, combines 30 years of wisdom from being a working actor with his knowledge of the acting process, honed during 20 years of teaching, to inform and enlighten aspiring actors about the “how to” of creating and maintaining a professional career. By moderating a panel discussion with colleagues or conducting a solo workshop on craft and career, Bofshever inspires actors with practical information that is useful in the worlds of film, television, and stage. By demystifying the journey, Bofshever helps actors gain the skills, beyond talent, required to succeed.

“Your presentation shows the possibility of becoming a working actor: We learn how to make a living via recognizable examples of people who do it, and you leave the audience with the sense that being a working actor is something real and attainable and even, dare I say, normal. Your seminars take acting down off the pedestal, remove the haze and fear and make an acting career possible. You are giving a great gift to actors.”
-- Will Radford, Actor

Bofshever has conducted the Journey of the Working seminars in conjunction with the Screen Actors Guild Foundation in Hollywood, New York, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco branches. He has spoken at the Players Academy Los Angeles, SAG Conservatory at the American Film Institute, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts NY, Interlochen Academy Michigan, Idaho Film and Television Institute. College appearances include, Rice University, Washington University St. Louis, Emory University, UCLA, University of Nevada Las Vegas, University of Wisconsin, Long Beach State College, Boston University College of Fine Arts, Columbia College of Chicago.

“Mr. Bofshever’s New York seminar for the SAG Foundation was a resounding success. His enthusiasm and great insights offered our members fresh inspiration, and a wealth of new options in their approach to succeeding as professional performers.”
--Franz Reynolds, SAG Foundation, NY

Michael with Academy Award Winner Marion Cotillard
star of "La Vie En Rose"

"Oh, Thank you Michael…so much. You are a great moderator."
--Rebecca Fisher, publicist, "La Vie En Rose"

“Michael Bofshever consistently puts together a wonderful panel of performers and leads a powerful and informative discussion on the realities of pursuing a career as an actor. He has extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry and does a terrific job of sharing that knowledge.”
--Jesse Bush, LifeRaft Program, SAG Foundation, Los Angeles

"Michael, you ask the best questions!"
Hillary Swank, Academy Award Winner, Best Actress, "Million Dollar Baby"

Michael intertviews Kevin Bacon, December 11, 2004

"Mr. Bofshever has further used his moderating skills as an adept interviewer of some of the most creative and celebrated individuals in the profession. As one of the hosts for the Screen Actors Guild Conversation Series and for prestigious Hollywood Studios, Bofshever engages accomplished artists in provocative discussions on their work, career and lives. Actors enjoy being interviewed by Michael because he understands the process, is keenly aware of both the artistic and business sides of acting and engages them in a conversation that is always fresh. He is among the best in the business and a pleasure to work with.”
Lea Yardum, Awards Consultant

Michael interviews Laura Dern, August 4, 2004

Interview List
Helen Mirren-Calendar Girls, Diane Lane-Under the Tuscan Sun, Jonathan Winters,*
Jim Sheridan-In America, Tom Bosley,* David Carradine,* Joel Surnow-24, Laura Dern,*
Josh Schwartz-The OC, Florence Henderson,* Debbie Manwiller Casting Director-24,
Cast of The Woodsman: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Benjamin Bratt
Cast of Sideways: Paul Giamatti, Sandra Oh, Thomas Hayden Church, Virginia Madsen
Cast of Kinsey: Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Peter Sarsgaard, Lynn Redgrave, John Lithgow
Jeff Daniels,* Christine Lahti-Jack and Bobby, Hillary Swank-Million Dollar Baby,
Jeff Bridges-The Door in the Floor, Julian Fellowes-Separate Lies, Ron Perlman,*
Tippi Hedren,* Jack Epps Jr.-screenwriter-Top Gun,
Gary Zuckerbrod-Casting Director-Without A Trace,
Ed Redlich-writer/producer-Shark, Marion Cotillard-La Vie En Rose,
Amy Ryan-Gone Baby Gone, Bryan Cranston*

* filmed interview for Screen Actors Guild Foundation: Legacy Series

Michael interviews Jonathan Winters, April 7, 2004

"Michael is a welcomed, reliable and much called upon moderator by the studio and network publicists showcasing their projects. He's been a godsend during the busy "Award Season" and a mainstay throughout the rest of the year for my program."
Bob Nuchow, Projects Coordinator, Screen Actors Guild Foundation