In this episode, we got to chat with the amazing Susan Booth. Susan is the Artistic Director at the Alliance Theater in Atlanta Georgia. She gave us her fascinating take on the Atlanta Theater Scene, and how Atlanta’s special mix of people impacts the shows they choose and the programming they commit to. We discussed the powerful role a regional theater can have in such a diverse community. We also chatted about some of the ins and outs of moving a show to Broadway! *This episode was recorded prior to the Delta Variant.

Finding Matt Damon

Susan Booth: Atlanta Theater, Embracing Diversity, Regional Theater's Impact

In this episode we spoke with the absolutely brilliant Artistic Director at Trinity Rep, Curt Columbus. Curt chatted with us about how his job as an artistic director has changed throughout the pandemic, starting out in Chicago, and fostering a creative community. We had such a wonderful time talking with Curt, we hope you enjoy this episode!

Curt Columbus: Artistic Directing, Survival Jobs, and Community

In this episode, we chatted with the spectacular John Judd. John started his career in improv in Chicago studying under Del Close himself! He moved into acting and has never looked back! With a wealth of stories and a fascinating journey, John's perspective brought new light to what being an actor can look like especially during the times of Covid!

John Judd: Del Close, Chicago Theater, and Following Your Gut

In this episode, we talk to acclaimed Broadway director David Cromer, who recently directed The Sound Inside and won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for The Band's Visit. David chatted with us about the beginning of his career in Chicago, other productions he's directed and acted in, transferring a Broadway show to an audio-only format, being an artist during the pandemic, and much more. Please enjoy this episode of Finding Matt Damon with David Cromer!

David Cromer: The Band's Visit, The Sound Inside, and the Tony Awards

In this episode, we chat with the wonderful Austin Pendleton. You may know Austin from his illustrious career in the theater from originating the role of Motel in "Fiddler on the Roof", or perhaps from his original plays, "Uncle Bob" and "Orson's Shadow". He has directed, written, and starred in countless shows, movies, and now podcasts! It was such a pleasure to chat with such an American legend. Please enjoy this episode of Finding Matt Damon with Austin Pendleton!

Austin Pendleton: Failure, Life in the Theater, and Creating Your Own Work

In this episode, we chat with wonderful Ken Melamed about his career as an agent. Ken breaks down what an agent does, how he finds talent, and how this mysterious business of theater functions. Ken is such a kind and thoughtful person and we so enjoyed chatting with him!

Ken Melamed: The Business of Acting, Agents, and Following Your Passions

In our 13th episode, we talked to stage and screen legend, André de Shields. We discussed André's phenomenal career, including his start in The Wiz and his recent Tony-winning performance in Hadestown. We also talked with him about the Black Lives Matter movement, police brutality and racial inequality, and the recent murder of George Floyd. Following the recording of this episode police in Kenosha, Wisconsin shot Jacob Blake seven times. He is still fighting for his life. If you would like to donate to the fund his family set up, or the Milwaukee Freedom fund, which is supporting protestors in Kenosha by paying bail funds and providing legal assistance, you can do so here: Justice for Jacob Blake GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justiceforjacobblake Milwaukee Freedom Fund: https://supportwomenshealth.salsalabs.org/mkefreedomfund/index.html

André de Shields: Black Lives Matter, Hadestown, and more!

Taylor Mac: Gary, The 24 Hour Show, and Trickle Up NYC! by Finding Matt Damon

Taylor Mac: Gary, The 24 Hour Show, and Trickle Up NYC!

We're back from our COVID-19 hiatus with a fresh batch of Zoom episodes, the first of which was with the lovely and absolutely fascinating Kristen Sieh! Kristen is all over the map, but you may know her from the original Broadway cast of The Band's Visit, or perhaps you'll recognize her voice from your favorite audiobook.

Kristen Sieh: The Band's Visit, Voice Over Acting, and a cat!

In this episode, we interview the fantastic Brenda Withers. She is a playwright, an actor, a producer, and she runs her own theater company. She gave great insight into the working world of an actor from equity to getting your ideas on stage. She is such a warm and genuine person and we had the greatest time interviewing her! Please enjoy Episode 10!

Brenda Withers: Matt and Ben, Gloria, and The Harbor Stage Company!

In this episode we interview the Artistic Director of WP Theater, Lisa McNulty. We talk about everything from her career background to what it's like to be at the helm of a theater with a feminist mission. This is an excellent episode for anyone interested in the fascinating world of Off Broadway theater!

Lisa McNulty: WP Theater, Feminism, and Working Your Way Up!

In this episode, we chat with Laura Eason! She was a writer and producer for House of Cards and The Loudest Voice. She wrote one of the most widely produced plays in the world, "Sex with Strangers" and was the Artistic Director at Looking Glass Theater Company out in Chicago. We had the chance to discuss the pitfalls of writing, the struggles of producing, the joys of parenthood and making all of that come together! Truly an awesome lady, give it a listen!

Laura Eason: House of Cards, The Loudest Voice, and making it all happen!

In this episode we chat with the fantastic Kimberly Senior. We discuss Bella Bella, Career Suicide, and starting a career in Chicago. Kimberly shares her inspiring thoughts about theater as an invitation and what leadership can look like versus what we are raised to believe it is. We had such a blast talking with Kimberly, and she has the perfect voice for radio, so please enjoy Episode 7!

Kimberly Senior: Bella Bella, Career Suicide, and Ladies in Leadership!

In this episode we chat with the gorgeous, talented, caring, and awe-inspiring Karen Pittman. We discuss grad school, film and tv acting, families, and traveling. Give it a listen and follow Karen @thekarenpittman on instagram!

Karen Pittman: The Morning Show, Grad School, and Family Time!

In this episode we chat with David Ryan Smith. David is a very talented actor, having performed not only on BROADWAY- thats right. but also all over NYC and lets be honest, the whole darn country. He has done movies, he has done theater, he is truly a jack of all trades and a sincerely wonderful person. Follow him on instagram @davidryansmith

hubhopper

Finding Matt Damon

hubhopper