Ernie Bird is a composer/songwriter for theatre and media, singer & actor, writer and audio producer; born and raised in Ukraine. His musical RISE, in collaboration with librettist Gabrielle Mirabella, had its Off-Broadway debut at Kaufman Music Center, May 2022. Bird & Mirabella are also currently co-writing the Musical Women’s History Show, What Will She Do Next?, featured on Apple Podcast, the New York Times, and Common Sense Media. After receiving a full scholarship, Ernie attended the New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he received an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing. Currently, he is a composer/lyricist at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, and a guest composer at Columbia University’s MFA Playwriting. As an actor, international voice-over work includes; A Goofy Movie (Max; Walt Disney Pictures), Hercules (Walt Disney Pictures), Bad Teacher (Columbia Pictures). Regionally; The 25th… Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino, The Pit, NYC),
“Ernie Bird is an original, a gifted musical storyteller who writes bold and emotionally stirring compositions”
– Michael Wartofsky, Musical Theatre Writer (Car Talk: The Musical!!!)
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ernie Bird and his music for the past year. […] From listening to the very first notes, I knew Ernie’s musical voice could invoke character and string dramatic arcs in a special and unique way. Ernie brings both craft and instinct to each new piece, resulting in music theater that feels fresh and exciting.”
– Zach Redler, Composer