Thursday, August 7, 2014

Spotlight On...Matthew Brown

Name: Matthew Brown

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Education: Undergraduate BFA degree in Theater Performance

Select Credits: Early Shaker Spirituals by The Wooster Group, The Record by 600 HIGHWAYMEN

Why theater?: Nothing beats experiencing some good theater. Theater can be really powerful and transport an audience if done right, I kind of chase after that.

Who do you play in The 8th Fold?: Russ

Tell us about The 8th Fold: The 8th Fold centers around four boys after losing loved ones due to the war in Afghanistan. The show follows them as they learn to accept and let go of the people they lost.

What is it like being a part of The 8th Fold?: It's been great! The 8th Fold marks my first time playing a main role in a musical. At first it was pretty overwhelming but I've been surrounded by such positive energy that I have forgotten many of my worries. I've actually been learning a lot about music as well as my voice from the incredible singers and the music director in the show. The process has been pretty awesome.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I guess a lot of different kinds of theater speak to me. Recently I've been really drawn to movement based work as well as large concept pieces and immersive theater. Works from Diqui James such as Fuerza Bruta, London based company Punch Drunk, as well as Kneehigh and The Wooster Group.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Moritz in Spring Awakening or anything in Sleep No More

What’s your favorite showtune?: I have no idea, I currently can't stop listening to "The Long Grift" from Hedwig and The Angry Inch

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Dave Malloy, Stew

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I don't know, probably some Disney Channel star

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Huh, maybe something from Lorde or Sia

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Nutella

What’s up next?: Next year I am fortunate to travel with The Wooster Group's production of Early Shaker Spirituals. The tour will be playing in the United States as well as Europe.