Michael was born in California and grew up in South Florida. He received his BFA in Musical Theatre from Florida State University where he graduated Cum Laude with Honors. He has called NYC his home since then.
Upon moving to New York, Michael was cast in the American premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Children of Eden. He then went on to tour the nation in Ragtime. Since then Michael has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally all across America.
Favorite roles include: Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Tony in West Side Story.
Michael is also a Writer/Composer of musicals and has had many NYC readings/workshops of his work. He has been a part of the prestigious BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and The Musical Writers’ Playground. A few of his musicals include: Measure for Measure, Fetching Water, and Out of Frame.
Recently Michael received his MFA in Film Production from Full Sail University. With a focus in Directing/Screenwriting, Michael's mission is to bring a new voice to Movie Musical filmmaking. His work has been screened in festivals already and he is excited about bringing this new passion to light.
From Jean ValJean in Les Miserables to Sir Galahad in Spamalot, Michael displays a range that accommodates to any stage he’s performing on. Whether it be on Broadway, or on the High Seas, Michael feels most at home when he is in front of an audience.
“There are two key factors in the success of Orlando Shakespeare Theater's "Les Miserables." One, in the lead role of Jean Valjean, Michael Hunsaker is magnificent.
Les Miserables" is the story of Jean Valjean's redemption against a background of social unrest, and Shakes newcomer Hunsaker is a revelation. His anger is palpable early on; in fact every emotion is clearly and beautifully conveyed. And his voice will move you to tears with a whisper ("Bring Him Home") or knock your socks off with a roar ("Who Am I?”).”
