Theater and Improv daysīeing classicaly trained in theater, it is no wonder Watkins decided to go to work in regional theater first, where she successfully performed in both Portland and Los Angeles. After her stint in Portland, Michaela decided to try her luck in Los Angeles, where she did theater with Circle X Theatre and 2100 Square Feet, and improv with The Groundlings, which would consequently land her a major gig. Not having an easy time to break through in NYC, Watkins relocated to Portland, Oregon, and made it her home for a few years, and where she joined its vivacious theater scene, performing with the Portland Center Stage and the no longer existent improv group Toad City.

Not long after graduating, Michaela moved to New York City, where she hoped to jump-start her career. After finishing Wellesley High School, Watkins went to Boston University’s School of Fine Arts, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater.