Matt Burke, theatre and film actor and teacher

TheatrePeople (#60) - Matt Burke | Theatre Avenue

Another great week, Theatre People!

Today I'm eager to introduce you to yet another extraordinary actor and teacher in the theatrical, television, and film arena—Mr. Matt Burke.

Matt has been fully engaged in entertainment for the last 25 years, and some of his credits include Jurassic World, Boy Erased starring Nicole Kidman, and The Walking Dead. He is incredibly generous, has a great sense of humor and I hope you enjoy his interview this week as much as I did. Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Burke...

Matt Burke, theatre, film and television actor in Jurassic World, Walking Dead and more.

What’s a show that inspires you? (explain away!)

There are so many, but a production of “A Flea in her Ear” comes to mind. I’ve never laughed so hard in a theatre or been more inspired by an ensemble.

What’s one of your happiest moments in theatre?

I did a season at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in 2007; I was playing smaller supporting roles in each of the 3 plays I was in that season, but the camaraderie was overwhelming and made for the best summer on stage.

What’s the biggest ‘fail’ or goof you’ve seen on stage? (do tell the story)

I was in a production of Twelfth Night, and the actress playing Olivia that night was an understudy (she was young and inexperienced), and in the last scene where she drives the action she - the actress - got sick and exited the stage during the scene to go throw up. The actors covered brilliantly, but we could hear her offstage throwing up while the show did, in fact, go on.

Why do you love theatre?

For its vitality, its immediacy, its aliveness! It’s a place where people from anywhere can gather and be shown a part of their humanity and perhaps be surprised by their reaction. It’s true communion!

Theatre is for...

BELONGING

We the audience can come and remember why we’re here and what we’re supposed to do—which among other things is to experience our humanity.

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Other Incredible Theatre People

Robyn Cohen, Professional Actor and Teacher
Michael Pappalardo, Ballet Director and Manager
Anna Robb, Stage Manager and TheatreArtLife Founder

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More about Matt

Matt has been both acting and teaching professionally across the U.S. for 25 years. He has acted, trained and taught in both universities and theatre festivals in California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Utah, Delaware, London, and North Carolina where he currently resides. He has his BFA from Florida State University and his MFA from the University of Delaware.

Favorite stage credits include lead and supporting roles at the Delaware Theatre Company, International City Theatre, The REP, and 3 seasons with the Tony Award winning Utah Shakespearean Festival.

Film credits include Jurassic World, Identity Thief, The 24th, and Boy Erased starring Nicole Kidman; TV: Guest star and supporting roles in The Resident, Swamp Thing, Stargirl, Nashville, SIX, Halt and Catch Fire, The Walking Dead: a World Beyond, and he will appear in the upcoming second season of Raising Dion on Netflix.