Michael Barakiva

Michael Barakiva is an Armenian/Israeli American director and writer who was born in Haifa, grew up in New Jersey, attended Vassar College and the Juilliard School, lived most of his life in New York City, and now serves as Artistic Director of the Cleveland Play House.

His third novel, a cheeky contemporary queer protagonist epic fantasy, KEEPERS OF THE STONES AND STARS, will be published in May 2024. He also wrote ONE MAN GUY (lots of awards!) and its standalone sequel HOLD MY HAND.

Michael is an avid board game player, loves to knit, Crossfit, and cook, and believes that story is an integral part of the human experience.