Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael And Cynthia Jamin
Hi Michael and Cynthia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Michael Jamin (MJ): I’ve been a television writer for 28 years. Recently, I decided to step out from behind the camera, writing and performing stories for the stage. A Paper Orchestra is my one-man show based on my bestselling book of the same name. My wife, Cynthia, produces and directs the show. We’ve performed in theaters across the country in Boston, New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Los Angeles, Up next is the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Even though I’m a TV writer by trade, these are the stories I can’t tell on television. They’re intimate and vulnerable, and in my opinion, my best work to date.
Cynthia Jamin (CJ): Michael and I first met when I was a guest star on Just Shoot Me. He was a writer on it. We are the atypical Hollywood couple in that we are still married since 2000 and have 2 daughters. After Michael wrote A Paper Orchestra, we decided it would be a great opportunity for him to perform it as well. My acting background prepared me to direct and my entrepreneurial skills were a perfect fit to produce the show.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
MJ: My biggest struggle has been reinventing myself from screenwriter to performer. It’s one thing to stage a one-man show, it’s another thing to get people to buy tickets. To make that possible, I had to become internet famous. For the past three years, I’ve built a very large social media following by posting my experiences working in Hollywood as a television writer. Now people know me. When I book a show, these are the people who come.
CJ: I took a big break from Hollywood to raise our 2 daughters and start my own business, TwirlyGirl (twirlygirlshop.com, a girls line of clothing that I design and manufacture in Los Angeles). Jumping back into the industry in this way felt a little strange at first. Directing Michael, who is a talented writer but has never acted in this way before, required me to find a new way to approach the craft. At first I would give direction as if he was a trained actor doing someone else’s material. I quickly realized I would have to find a different way that would allow him to discover his own words through that performative lens.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
MJ: I’m most known for my work as a sitcom writer. My credits include King of the Hill, Beavis & Butt-Head, Just Shoot Me, Wilfred, Maron, Rules of Engagement, Out of Practice, Brickleberry, Tacoma FD, Glenn Martin DDS, Rhett & Link’s Buddy System, Lopez and more.
Even though I’ve written on some amazing shows, the work I’m most proud of is my collection of short stories, A Paper Orchestra. Vulture just named it one of the “Best Comedy Books of 2024.” It’s intimate and vulnerable and allowed me to reinvent myself.
CJ: I started my career in Hollywood as a dancer, then pivoted to acting. As an actor, I worked on many sitcoms in the 90’s including recurring on Friends, Veronica’s Closet and Ahhh Real Monsters! and guest starring on many other shows. I also produced my own one-woman show. Being in the creative arts, and a successful entrepreneur has definitely prepared me for this new chapter in my life. I’m proud of getting to this point in my life where I can appreciate my own unique talents and have the confidence to challenge myself.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
MJ: I’ve long been a fan of David Sedaris. I love the types of stories he tells, and was inspired to write my own version of that. But on a real, day-to-day basis, there’s been no bigger cheerleader of my work than my wife, Cynthia. She read every draft of every story, providing me with very helpful feedback. She encouraged me to adapt the book into a one-man show and even offered to produce and direct it. None of its success would’ve been possible without Cynthia.
CJ: I’m inspired by performers on stage, and screen, writers, singers, and artists. What I love is the connection between the performer/creator and the audience. It’s always about coming away with something, whether it’s emotional and/or intellectual. That’s what I’m looking to achieve with A Paper Orchestra, and with Michael’s writing, we are able to give a moving, long lasting experience to the audience. Working with Michael is so fulfilling on many levels. He is an incredibly disciplined and dedicated artist. His talent matches his drive. He inspires me to keep creating. We love doing projects together and supporting each other. He was a huge influence in the success of TwirlyGirl and I’m so honored to be able to work so closely on A Paper Orchestra.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaeljamin.com/tickets
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljaminwriter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelJaminWriter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michaeljaminwriter
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaeljaminwriter
Image Credits
Photos by Louis Felix Photography
