As Executive Creative Director in charge of Theatrical Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, Michael Jung is in charge of developing theatrical experiences for the Disney theme parks, cruise lines and resorts around the world.
Most recently Michael has been involved with the creation of Mickey and the Magical Map, a new show at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland Park. Michael led the entertainment programs for the two newest ships of the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Some of the other projects Michael has worked on for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts include The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Finding Nemo - The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. He spearheaded the successful development and execution of the overall entertainment program for Hong Kong Disneyland and was the principal Creative Director on The Lion King and Once Upon a Dream parade, both for Disneyland Paris. Additionally, he has been a key figure in driving the theatrical Blue Sky projects forward, integrating new artists into the Disney fold, crafting and shaping scripts, and spearheading the design concepts for Disney Parks’ theatrical productions.
Jung trained at the Children’s Theatre Conservatory in Minneapolis. He was appointed resident associate director at the Guthrie Theatre under the artistic direction of Garland Wright.
Jung earned his MFA from California Institute of the Arts in directing and locally has produced and directed at the Tiffany Theatre, The Matrix, Actor’s Gang, West Coast Ensemble, Long Beach Playhouse and the Taper New Work Festival. In 1994 Michael joined the artistic staff of the Mark Taper Forum, where he spent five years coordinating the new play development programs and acting as associate producer for the New Work Festival. Jung has also branched into producing, writing and directing television. He was the co-producer for the ACE award winning series Intimate Portrait on Lifetime Television.
Jung lives in Los Angeles and is a faculty member at CalArts and is on the Board of Center Theater Group and the Ojai Playwrights Conference.