Matt Schufrieder is making his 2nd Act Players debut with our 60 is the new 40 Play Festival, Matt has roles in teo of our short plays and will definitely show his acting range. In one, he plays an aspiring Broadway composer while in the other, he plays a high school senior anxious to conquer the world — and to tell his mother what’s what.
Come see Matt along with five other cast members, online Nov. 13, 14, 20, 21 at 7 p.m. For details, check out our 60 is the New 40 Festival page. For tickets, click here.
Below, read Matt’s thoughts on acting, the challenges he faced in the festival and his hopes for the future of theater.
- How and why did you get into acting?
I was a VERY awkward kid growing up and I didn’t know how to fit into any groups. It wasn’t until my sophomore year of high school where I tried out for theatre.One of the reasons I tried out was because I was getting increasingly jealous of my peers being silly and standing out. People loved it. I was inspired to audition for my high school theatre company. I got casted in a two person one act play. It is still one of my favorites pieces that I have done.
2. If you could play any character in any play or movie, who would you pick and why?
George Bailey- I played him a few years ago and I would love to play it again a little bit older. Also Father Flynn from Doubt is one of my favorites. You don’t know whether he did the crime or not. That is up to the actors to decide.
3. In this festival, how are you tackling the challenge of playing multiple characters in multiple plays?
.This production has really helped me listen. Since we are not able to be in person or even see our fellow actors at times, I have to now really pay attention to what is being said and how to respond. Since the characters I am playing are two different kinds of people, I have to make sure the choices I am using fit the scene and role. Also, the idea of stillness has been such a rewarding challenge. As someone who talks with hands (I’m doing it right now), the idea of trying to stay still is very hard. Because we don’t have a lot of space to move, I have to stand still. It was very hard but very rewarding.
4. What are your hopes and expectations for theater in a post-Covid world?
As an actor, I can’t wait to be back in the room with artists. Not just actors but artists. I get motivated being in the room and listening to the stories of artists. Especially right now, artists are more needed than ever. For theatre, I think there is going to be a slow demand for more theatre. I hope the stories that are presented by theatre companies don’t just move audience members, but make them think.
Looking forward for audiences to feel and think with this show.