Four takeaways from my interview with Matt:
When starting out in theatre, say yes to everything and anything possible. Once you’re established you’ll be able to focus on the work that matters to you, whether that’s creating material that inspires people or challenges their thought processes. “This pandemic has been a reset to sit back, take a breath, and go: ‘What is it that I have to offer, what is it the world needs me to do?’ Oftentimes we just get in the habit of saying yes, as opposed to saying: ‘Is this in line with my bigger purpose?’”
Agents work differently for directors and actors. Ten percent of what happens in your career will be instigated by your agent, while the other 90 percent will be propelled by you and your own connections. “Hopefully at a certain point in your career, you have a reputation and are on people’s lists as an actor or director…. you have more choice as to what you want to do and who you want to do it with.”
When it comes to how actors present themselves in the audition room, confidence (not to be mistaken with cockiness) is the most important thing. This, along with flexibility, openness, and preparation are all key to a successful audition. It’s important to be able to fully see yourself in the role you’re going for and to feel confident in thinking: ‘I can play this role. I may not get picked to do it this round, but I can do it. I have something to bring to this.’
Virtual auditions are here to stay—at least for a while. But there’s hope: “The positive side is there’s a lot of great, relevant work that’s going to come out of this. I, being an optimist and a humanist, think this has given the entire globe a chance to think a little bit… The theatre has survived thousands of years, and there is a reason that theatre all around the world is thriving. The more devices we have, the more people need and want theatre. It will survive, and not just theatre—arts and dance and music, all of it.”
Check out the interview above for the full scoop!
4 Responses
Very nice job coming out of the gate!!!!
Terrific Interview with Matt! We’ve enjoyed working with him on Beauty and the Beast and A Christmas Story, the Musical.
Glenn!
Thanks so much for the kind words. Matt’s was my first interview. It kind of just took care of itself.
Great interview, Ric! I have actually read Matt’s quote before and happy to have a face to go along with it. There are some really great, insightful words of wisdom from Matt that not only benefit a young actor, but also for those of us who have been around for awhile. Great questions too! This has been a difficult year, but it will be exciting to see new and creative ideas that come out of it. Bravo on the interview and the new blog! Looking forward to more!