Resume

Headshot of Michael Aquino

Michael Aquino

CONTACT: maquino.mail@gmail.com

Co-Founder, EP, Composer, Sound Designer, Voice Actor, Host – Cocotazo Media

2018-present 

Executive producer, sound design, tracking, dialogue editing, mixing, mastering, original compositions, voice acting, and host for in-house productions and external clients.

Composer, Sound Designer, and Audio Engineer – Various Clients      

2017-present

Tracking, editing, mixing, mastering, dialogue editing, and composing original songs. Organizations/Clients: 

Audible, PRX, Electronic Arts, Boston Globe, People Magazine, Lantigua Williams & Co., Bucket of Eels, Fresh Produce Media, Pod People, and Girl Rising.

Events Manager – Montclair State University – College of the Arts                     

2009-2018

Booking and managing all aspects of events and maintenance for three theater facilities.

Equity Actor – Regional Theatres

1999-present

Perform professionally as an actor at regional theaters.

Teaching Artist – Various Professional Arts Organizations    

2001-2009

Instructing students K-12 in theatre performance, playwriting residencies, and workshops. Organizations/Theatres: 

George St. Playhouse, Luna Stage, Writers Theatre of NJ, and NJPAC.

Equity Stage Manager – Luna Stage

2003-2007

Facilitating professional theatre production’s artistic and technical elements from rehearsal to production.

Recognition

Nominee 2025 Ambies for Dragon Age: Vows & Vengeance, Podcast of the Year | Best Fiction Podcast

Winner 2024 HSMAI Adrian Awards for Palmetto Porch

Nominee 2024 Ambies for Untextbooked, Best History Podcast

Nominee 2024 Webby for Turning Points, Wellness and Lifestyle Podcast

Audible Best of the Year 2023 for The Royals of Malibu

Winner 2022 Anthem Awards for Timestorm, Silver Medal, Education, Art, & Culture - Special Projects.

Winner 2021 New Jersey WebFest for Timestorm, Outstanding Family Friendly Fiction Podcast

Honoree 2020 Webby Awards for Timestorm, Podcasts: Family & Kids

Participant PRX / Google Podcast creator program inaugural cohort for Timestorm

Winner 2019 Audio Verse Awards for Best Vocal Composition in a New Production 

Winner 2017 Audio Verse Awards Best Music for a Self-contained, Dramatic, Production and Best Audio Engineering for a Self-contained, Comedic, Production

Nominated 2013 Jersey Acoustic Music Award - Top Male Songwriter category

Proficiencies

Songwriting, Pro Tools, GarageBand, Google Workspace, Microsoft Suite, Headliner, Squarespace, Mailchimp

Affiliations

Actors Equity Association, Kids Listen, RRCA Certified Run Coach

Education

Montclair State University – BFA Theatre