Meet the Team

Photo by Talia Mann @dinwiddieheadshots

Michael Phillip Thomas

Founder/CEO

M.F.A., A.E.A,

Michael Phillip Thomas is a proud Texan—He was born and raised in West Texas and attended high school and community college in Dallas—His journey in the performing arts has taken him from local classrooms to some of the most respected training institutions in the world. A member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, he earned his Master of Fine Arts from Wayne State University, and BFA from Santa Fe University of Art and Design under John Jory. Michael is an alum of PCPA (an acting conservatory) and studied at the Moscow Art Theatre (MXAT). These experiences shaped both his artistic voice and his belief in disciplined, high-level training.

Growing up in Dallas, Michael was surrounded by educators and mentors who encouraged him to see beyond his immediate circumstances and pursue opportunities he might not have imagined for himself. With the help of scholarships, financial aid, and people who believed in his potential, he was able to train, travel, and build a professional career. That support left a lasting impression—and ultimately shaped his commitment to paying it forward.

When he returned home to North Texas, Michael taught for 2 years at Dallas College, and then joined Nimitz High School in Irving ISD, where he spent 4 years building a thriving and competitive theatre program. Under his leadership, students produced full-length plays and musicals with remarkable success. Yet he saw clearly that many talented young artists, despite their ability and drive, lacked access to affordable, advanced training that could truly launch them forward.

Rather than accept that limitation, Michael began working with his wife, Amber, and—through collaboration with leaders from PCPA—developed a bold vision: master’s-level actor training offered at little to no cost for committed students. From that vision, Studio Sparrow Conservatory Theatre was born.

Known for his charismatic yet demanding presence in the rehearsal room, Michael brings an extensive professional network and a passion for connecting artists to real career opportunities. He believes excellence should be the standard—and access to that excellence should not be rare.

As he often says, “So many in Texas are focusing on the technical skills the industry needs. But none of it exists without the story or the actors telling it.”

Michael Phillip Thomas is dedicated to developing strong artists, expanding opportunity, and building pathways for the next generation—right here in Texas and beyond.

Photography by Renato Rimach Photography

Amber Bonasso Thomas

Founder/COO

M.F.A., A.E.A.

Amber Bonasso Thomas is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA and holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A dynamic performer, director, and producer, she has built an extensive career spanning stage and screen, with work that reaches national and international audiences.

Amber has produced full-length feature films, industrials, and theatrical productions across the country and abroad. Her performance career has included starring along side Ryan Seacrest in a Merve Griffin game show, along with appearances on numerous professional stages nationwide. While her experience is broad, she holds a particular love for Shakespeare and is passionate about helping artists unlock both the technical precision and emotional depth required to bring classical texts to life.

Beyond her own creative work, Amber is deeply committed to building opportunity for the artistic community she calls home. Studio Sparrow is a vision close to her heart—born from her desire to see high-level access and professional pathways expand for Texas artists.

As she often shares, “One of the most valuable elements of a master’s program is the network it provides. As much as we may wish it weren’t true, ‘It’s all about who you know’ still carries weight. These programs bring students directly into rooms with decision-makers and give them the relationships they need to begin working.”

Amber believes those rooms should not be limited by geography or price. “Many of the most significant opportunities—major festivals, studios, theme parks—rarely make their way to Texas. I want to see our Texas talent in those rooms, meeting casting directors and industry leaders face-to-face. These are real jobs. Real careers. And they shouldn’t only be accessible to those who can afford traditional MFA price tags.”

Through Studio Sparrow, Amber is committed to producing world-class theatre seasons while creating meaningful industry connections for emerging artists. The goal is clear: students leave with the résumé, the training, and the professional network of an MFA program—at little to no cost.

“There is so much talent here,” she says. “We need to bring the opportunities. That’s the dream. And we’re going to make it a reality.”