Bronx-Born. Boston University Trained. New York Tough.
Mike Lesser is an AEA actor, a Dramatists Guild playwright, the founder of The PlayGround Experiment (The PGE), and a theatrical fixture dedicated to building fierce, collaborative spaces for new American storytelling.

Raised in the Bronx, Mike Lesser holds a BFA in Theatre Studies from Boston University. As an actor and playwright, he is a proud member of the Actors’ Equity Association and the Dramatists Guild of America. His writing and performance work have been showcased at the Lower East Side Festival at Theater for the New City, the New York International Fringe Festival, and various independent stages across Manhattan.

Driven by a passion for artistic sanctuary and low-barrier collaboration, Mike founded The PlayGround Experiment (The PGE), an independent company designed to test, workshop, and launch diverse new theatrical works. When he isn't on stage or at the writing desk, he serves as the Theater Manager for the Off-Broadway Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater in New York City.

Colleagues have affectionately described Mike as a "fast-talking New York Jewish leprechaun—magical with a little attitude." He brings that exact high-energy, socially sharp, and unapologetic wit to every rehearsal room, script, and production.