Mikhail Fiksel (born March 21, 1980) is a Russian-American composer and sound designer. He won a Tony Award in the category Best Sound Design of a Play for the play Dana H.
Early life Fiksel was born in Akademgorodok, near Novosibirsk, Russia, and received early training in classical music. After immigrating to the United States, he became involved in underground electronic music and DJ culture. His work draws on a wide range of musical influences and frequently explores juxtaposition, re-contextualization, and experimental approaches to sound. He has collaborated with artists and theatre companies including Chay Yew, Les Waters, Robert Falls, Kimberly Senior, and Anne Kauffman. He plays piano and bass.
Career Fiksel began his career as a DJ under the name "DJ White Russian" before exploring sound design. He then gained experience in sound design in Chicago and New York City, working for theatres such as the Goodman Theatre and Playwrights Horizons.
Mikhail Fiksel is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Sound Design at Columbia College Chicago and has previously taught at Loyola University Chicago (2008–2015) and the University of Chicago. His teaching focuses on sound design for theatre, including both foundational and advanced techniques and their application in storytelling and immersive performance.
He is a Resident Artist with Albany Park Theatre Project, Teatro Vista, and Strawdog Theatre Company, with sound design credits including “Blood and Gifts,” “The How and the Why,” “Inana,” and “A Disappearing Number.” He is also a company member of 2nd Story and has collaborated with Third Rail Projects on immersive works such as “Learning Curve” (2016) and “Port of Entry” (2023). and an Artistic Associate with TimeLine Theatre Company
His Broadway credits include Dana H., for which he won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Sound Design in a Play, the 2024 revival of Uncle Vanya, and the 2025 premiere of Little Bear Ridge Road.
Stage credits YearTitleRoleVenueRef.2007MassacreSound DesignerRegional, Goodman Theatre2011Dartmoor PrisonChicago BoysAsk Aunt Susan2012Fish MenBlack n Blue BoysSong for the DisappearedThe World of Extreme Happiness2014BuzzerVenus in FurThe World of Extreme HappinessFeathers and TeethThe Magic PlayCarlyle2015The Upstairs ConciergeFeathers and Teeth2016A LifeOff-Broadway, Playwrights Horizons2666Regional, Goodman TheatreThe Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window2017The TreasurerOff-Broadway, Playwrights HorizonsKing of the YeesRegional, Goodman TheatreLa Havana Madrid2018This Flat EarthOff-Broadway, Playwrights HorizonsThe WolvesRegional, Goodman TheatreWe’re Only Alive for a Short Amount of TimeLady in Denmark2019Cambodian Rock BandOff-Broadway, Pershing Square Signature CenterDana H.Regional, Goodman Theatre2020Off-Broadway, Vineyard TheatreRoeRegional, Goodman Theatre2021Dana H.Broadway, Lyceum TheatreI Hate It HereRegional, Goodman TheatreNightwatch – New Stages:2022Tambo & BonesOff-Broadway, Playwrights HorizonsGood EnemyOff-Broadway, Minetta Lane Theatre2023How to Defend YourselfOff-Broadway, New York Theatre Workshop2024Uncle VanyaBroadway, Vivian Beaumont Theatre2025MexodusOff-Broadway, Minetta Lane TheatreLittle Bear Ridge RoadBroadway, Booth Theatre
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryWorkResultRef.2017Lucille Lortel AwardOutstanding Sound DesignA LifeDrama Desk AwardOutstanding Sound Design in a Play2018Lucille Lortel AwardOutstanding Sound DesignThe Treasurer2020Drama Desk AwardOutstanding Sound Design in a PlayDana H.Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding Sound DesignObie AwardDesign Award2022Tony AwardTony Award for Best Sound Design in a Play2023Lucille Lortel AwardOutstanding Sound DesignHow to Defend Yourself2026Lucille Lortel AwardOutstanding Sound DesignMexodusDrama Desk AwardOutstanding Sound Design in a Musical
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