Michael Cothren Pena

Judge

Biography

Beginning as a dancer before transitioning to choreography and creative direction, Michael has worked on the creative teams for many of the worlds premiere events and corporations providing creative development, execution and a strong knowledge of operations. A specialist in large scale events Michael has lead the teams responsible for delivering over 5,000 performers in the 2018 Asian Games Opening Ceremony as well as intimate and unique theatre work across Europe.

Director of Staging
2023 World University Games | Lake Placid, NY
2018 Asian Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies | Jakarta, ID
2019 South East Asian Games Opening Ceremony | Manila, PH
2015 Tournament of Roses Parade Opening | Pasadena, CA
2021 PON XX GAMES | Papua, Indonesia

Choreography
How to Train Your Dragon “Untrainable” Universal Studios Beijing
Andrea Bocelli “Bocelli Family Christmas Tour”
Super Nintendo World Grand Opening Hollywood, CA
Tokyo Disneyland “Mickey’s Magical Music World”
Shanghai Disneyland “Mickey’s Storybook Adventure”
Shanghai Disneyland Grand Opening Gala
Hong Kong Disneyland “Mickey and The Wondrous Book”
Princess Cruises “Sun Princess Launch Ceremony”
Londoner Macau “Changing of the Guard”
Baku IS Solidarity Games
American Idiot! the musical 1st Italian Tour
Lexus LS Launch
Rhythmic Gymnastics 80th Anniversary Gala
Alessandra Amoroso “Il Mondo” Tour
Nutcracker Magic Shanghai, China

Associate
Sochi Olympic Opening Ceremony
San Remo Music Festival 2008,2009,2010
Amici Rome 2008-2012
The Office NBC
Madmen AMC
Weeds Showtime
Hellcats CW
The Fresh Beat Band Nickelodeon
Valentine CW
Facebook