| Michael Cassel |  |
 |
Michael Cassel is a highly experienced producer and entertainment executive, having produced international theatrical productions, major special events, televised productions, concerts, festivals and touring productions.
Cassel launched his company MC Productions in 1995 by creating and producing, for ten years, the Carols by Candlelight Christmas Spectacular. A major annual outdoor concert, the Spectacular featured some of Australia’s leading entertainers. Cassel’s expertise and creativity has seen him responsible for producing prestigious television broadcasts and award ceremonies including Musicoz televised on Channel [V], the David Koch Australian My Business Awards, Yellow Pages Awards for Excellence in Tourism, Country Press Association of NSW Centenary Awards and the Integral Energy Business Awards. Cassel has produced gala charity events and concerts including Aim for the Stars for world-champion surfer, Layne Beachley, which included the star-studded event headlined by INXS. Other events have included the Purple Ribbon Masked Ball for Liz Mullinar - founder of Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse, the Australia Day Spectacular and fireworks skyshow as well as annual festivals such as Folklorika and Sea, Food and Sail. Other credits include Sydney New Year’s Eve Celebrations for Ric Birch’s Spectak Productions; Grease – The Arena Spectacular for John Frost/SEL; the Victor Chang Royal Ball attended by HRH Princess Mary of Denmark; the MO and ACE Award Ceremonies; and Anthony Warlow in Concert.
Since 2002, Cassel has worked with The Walt Disney Company’s live entertainment division, Disney Theatrical Group and over the past nine years has held a series of increasingly responsible senior management positions.
Currently based in New York City as Director – International, Cassel is responsible for the divisions international licensing and production of theatrical stage shows including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, AIDA, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and High School Musical. Cassel also provides oversight of the Disney on Ice and Disney Live! business, licensed to Feld Entertainment, in international markets including China, Latin America, Japan and India.
Cassel commenced his professional career working with Australia's foremost entertainment entrepreneur, celebrity manager and theatrical producer, Harry M Miller. During his tenure with Harry M, Cassel worked as an agent across the company's stable of clients including Australia's leading broadcaster Alan Jones AO, former Australian Prime Minister The Honourable Gough Whitlam, Australian fashion icon Maggie Tabberer, media identity Deborah Hutton, Thredbo landslide survivor Stuart Diver, Lindy Chamberlain and Big Brother's Sara-Marie Fedele and series one winner, Ben Williams.
Cassel is a recipient of the St George Bank Endeavour Award and has been a finalist in the Young Australian of the Year Awards (NSW) on three occasions. He has served as a Director of the Australian Entertainment MO Awards Benevolent Fund and as a Board Member of the Starlight Foundation's New South Wales Youth Committee. Cassel currently serves as a founding member of the Australian Broadway Network in New York City.
