Insight from some of my collaborators

Since 2014, as an actor, I've had the opportunity to perform in 4 productions under Matthew Wilson's direction and/or choreography: Hello Dolly!, 1776, She Loves Me, and Pippin. Matthew brings a great deal of passion and care to all of his projects. As an artist, he possesses a great balance of logic, creativity, and intuition. Matthew honors the scripts he works with, but he always brings his own point of view and vision to his productions as well. HIs vision always supports and enhances the original material. His preparation for each production and every rehearsal has always been excellent.

Visually, Matthew knows how to create an interesting and dynamic stage picture. He understands how to use his space and sets in unexpected ways. Everything has a purpose and a reason in his productions.

Matt sets a high standard for his actors. He challenges good performers to be better. As a result, I've seen many fellow actors do some of their best work under his direction. I also feel that I've done some of my best work under Matthew's guidance. He is a good collaborator, as well. Anytime I've gone to him with a question or concern about character or stage business, I've always felt heard.

On the other side, as an audience member, I always know I'm in for a quality night at the theater if I'm attending one of his productions. HIs storytelling is clear. His pacing is tight and his productions overflow with energy. Matthew Wilson's shows are high energy, thoughtful, entertaining, and exciting.

 Matthew is a director without an ego. He has a deep desire to tell honest stories. I was the Illusion Designer for Pippin and working with Matthew was a give and take. He was open to taking my ideas while staying true to his vision of the show. He has a talent for squeezing every little moment out of his cast while also keeping it personal. I get a lot of requests to work with different directors, but I choose to work with very few because in my opinion very few know how to treat members of their production team. I would find any reason to work with Matt. I highly recommend you do the same.   

I've had the pleasure of working under Matthew's direction in several productions. However, my fondest memories are from next to normal in 2018. Tackling subject matter as intense and personal as mental health is no easy feat, but from rehearsal number one our cast was encouraged and provided the safety and comfort to break down our walls and better relate to our characters. As a newly graduated pharmacist who enjoys performing on the side, this journey helped me to improve both as a performer and as a medical provider through strengthening my empathy and understanding of the impact metal health has on not only the individual but also those close to them. I have continued to advocate strongly for mental health awareness and services in my professional career largely because of the impact this production, and its leadership, had on me.

How do you take something as classic as  The Wizard of Oz and make it new and unique? You work with Matthew Wilson, that's how! As a director, Matthew is innovative and welcoming, which is a combination I have rarely experienced. Matthew provides a comfortable space to work in, that is both professional and fun. A truly joyous rehearsal experience from beginning to end!

I've had the opportunity to work with Matthew Wilson on multiple productions under his direction and his choreography. He has the ability to push an actor to fully explore the role and ultimately bring out their best performance. He sees the big picture and seamlessly fits all the of the working pieces together to create a cohesive and creative interpretation of the show. He has always been a pleasure to work with.

My history with Matthew Wilson goes all the way back to our time in undergrad together. We have had the opportunity to work together on many projects over the last twenty plus years. In the spring of 2013, I was just finishing graduate school and had taken a six-year break from Stage Management., when I was asked to Stage Manage Big River. When I learned that Matthew would be directing, there was no way of knowing that experience would be the beginning of one of the most fulfilling and creative theatre partnerships I have had in my career. Matthew is a director who is loyal to the script, invested in both the technical and performative aspects, and relished the work happening in the rehearsal room. I am very proud of the work we created through our many collaborations.