Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Matthew B. Ferrell

Matthew B. Ferrell

Long Beach,CA

Summary

Innovative Director with decades of experience in all aspects of live theatre productions. Visionary creator and storyteller with success taking an idea from concept to delivery, creating entertaining and inspiring pieces. Collaborative in working closely with strategic and creative teams to develop and produce quality theatrical experiences. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

CT Show Director

Cedar Fair/Carowinds
08.2021 - Current
    • Directed and vocally directed main stage productions
    • Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
    • Conducted meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to attain production objectives.
    • Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
    • Developed schedules for production rehearsals
    • Participated in meetings with producers and production crew to keep program in step with creative vision.
    • Observed tight deadlines and strict budgetary controls to avoid waste and streamline costs.
    • Identified and approved equipment and elements required for productions.
    • Directed work of lighting and sound crews to coordinate efficient production operations.
    • Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
    • Reviewed scripts and made changes to improve wording, flow or interest levels, consistently producing highly successful shows.
    • Alleviated issues between actors on set to keep projects on track and avoid delays or budget overages.

Associate Professor of Theatre

Winthrop University
08.2017 - 06.2022
  • Associate Professor teaching full load of University level classes in theatre; acting, musical theatre, directing
  • Directed main stage musicals and plays
  • Made contributions in curricular development and innovation in teaching strategies.
  • Advised student groups, assisting learners in educational programs both on and off campus.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Graded assignments and examinations, recording grades in grade book and reporting to primary course instructor on average performance and students requiring special attention.
  • Helped students to develop and demonstrate broad, integrative and specialized knowledge, essential habits of mind, communicative fluency and effective problem-solving skills.
  • Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
  • Managed interpersonal conflict situations requiring tact, diplomacy and discretion, supporting culture of diversity, equity and inclusion with students, employees, alumni and other stakeholders.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction
  • Presented at national conferences

Performer/Actor

Various
05.1990 - 08.2019
  • Performed lead musical roles in professional theatrical productions and tours nationally and internationally
  • Next to Normal
  • HAIR
  • The Threepenny Opera
  • The Rocky Horror Show
  • Carnival
  • Into the Woods
  • JFK: The Rock Opera
  • A Chorus Line
  • Many NYC industry readings
  • Multiple recordings
  • National commercials
  • Television

Wardrobe Assistant

Radio City Music Hall
09.2006 - 12.2014
  • Worked multiple jobs as IATSE TWU764 Wardrobe/Dresser/Stylist for various productions at Radio City Music Hall
  • Fast paced job involving excellent people skills and quick thinking
  • Crafting, painting, organization, dressing, mending, sewing, set up and break down
  • The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
  • Cirque du Soleil, ZARKANA
  • America's Got Talent, Season 8 and 9
  • Barry Manilow
  • Shen Yun
  • The Secret Policeman's Ball

Cruise Director

Holland America Line
03.2010 - 05.2011
  • Managed Entertainment department, including over fifty performers, librarian, travel staff, cruise staff and other crew members working within the department
  • "Face of ship" hosting all major activities and performances
  • Assigned work to staff, set schedules, and motivated strong performance in key areas.
  • Trained and supervised staff to consistently meet performance goals and customer service standards.
  • Created and maintained detailed reports of daily, weekly and monthly operations.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with customers to build loyalty and repeat business.
  • Partnered across departments to run smooth, professional events and activities.
  • Organized and oversaw special events such as birthday parties, tournaments and team-building activities.
  • Monitored budget and expenditures, keeping facility within budget.
  • Developed partnerships with external vendors and suppliers to obtain quality products and services.
  • Coordinated with other entertainment venues to create joint promotional events.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.

Performer

Universal Studios
03.2009 - 12.2009
  • Performed lead characters in main stage shows: Creature From the Black Lagoon, The Musical!, The Rocky Horror Tribute Show, 13 Days of Grinchmas Tree Lighting
  • Learned scripts to understand characters' relationships and develop role interpretations.
  • Studied and rehearsed roles from scripts to interpret and memorize lines and cues.
  • Engaged with audiences to create memorable experiences at live performances.


Director/Chreographer

Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center
06.2006 - 08.2009
  • Directed and choreographed full scale theatrical productions
  • Taught classes in musical theatre and theatre
  • Collaborated with designers and staff

Performer

Disney Cruise Lines
09.1999 - 05.2007
  • Performed as Main Stage Performer (Magic 2/Wonder 18)
  • Sang and danced with creative ensembles and troupes for dramatic and comedic performances.
  • Learned scripts to understand characters' relationships and develop role interpretations.
  • Worked to assist characters
  • Performed within ensemble
  • Executed shipboard duties and trainings

Teacher/Director

Professional Performing Arts School
09.2002 - 06.2005
  • Directed full scale musical theatre productions
  • Taught classes in all aspects of theatre
  • Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
  • Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
  • Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Theatre Pedagogy

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
05.2017

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theatre Performance

Emerson College
Boston, MA
05.1992

Skills

  • Strong, Creative Leader
  • Solve Production Problems
  • Production Details Brainstorming
  • Actor Selection and Auditioning
  • Vendor Contracts
  • Producing Shows
  • Show Planning
  • Script Research and Studying

Affiliations

Actors Equity Association

IATSE TWU764

CA Teachers Association

Southeastern Theatre Conference

Timeline

CT Show Director

Cedar Fair/Carowinds
08.2021 - Current

Associate Professor of Theatre

Winthrop University
08.2017 - 06.2022

Cruise Director

Holland America Line
03.2010 - 05.2011

Performer

Universal Studios
03.2009 - 12.2009

Wardrobe Assistant

Radio City Music Hall
09.2006 - 12.2014

Director/Chreographer

Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center
06.2006 - 08.2009

Teacher/Director

Professional Performing Arts School
09.2002 - 06.2005

Performer

Disney Cruise Lines
09.1999 - 05.2007

Performer/Actor

Various
05.1990 - 08.2019

Master of Fine Arts - Theatre Pedagogy

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theatre Performance

Emerson College

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Matthew B. Ferrell