Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Spotlight On...Matt Webster

Name: 
Matt Webster

Hometown: Martins Ferry, OH

Education: 
BFA Acting from West Virginia University

Favorite Credits: Kynaston in Complete Female Stage Beauty; Michael in The Pillowman

Why theater?: Because I never get bored with it. There’s always something to write, a character to create, a script to read.

Tell us about Propaganda! The Musical: 
It’s a hilarious new musical about a secret government bureau that covers up political scandals. It’s an awesome blend of contemporary and classic sounds with some unforgettable characters and completely original story.

What inspired you to write Propaganda! The Musical?: 
I wanted an excuse to stay friends with Taylor Ferrera (my co-writer).  Also, I wanted to tell an original story that had meaning but was also a great distraction from all of our realities.

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?:
 New and original theatre. I remember studying Brecht in school and kinda geeking out over it.  I loved the idea of creating a piece of theatre that causes the audience to go out into their world and effect change. It inspired me to write with a certain tone that I’ve never been able to/never want to lose.

If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: Duncan Sheik.

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: That guy that plays Cory in "Boy Meets World" – Ben Savage? It would be called: "Slow Down, Let Our Children Grow Up".  That was printed on signs in my hometown when I was a kid, and I always thought it was such a funny and intense warning. I mean I totally get that it’s important to slow down, but as a kid, I just loved it and always laughed.  Maybe that gives you a too intimate glimpse of my childhood…

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?:
 Eating an entire container of Goldfish in one sitting while binge-watching Saved By The Bell…not that that has ever happened…

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: 
”We Will All Be Changed” by SERYN

If I weren’t working in theater, you would _____?: Be a crazy man that travels around the world and stuffs his face with amazing food… and goldfish. 

What’s up next?: Sleep (but secretly I’m hoping to be too busy to sleep…)