Matt Reed is in his first year at Holland Hall where he replaced Jody Ely as the Walter Arts Center technical director. Mr. Reed also teaches two Technical Theatre classes.
Mr. Reed, a graduate of Wichita State University with a BFA in Technical Theatre Design, is responsible for the traditional duties of a technical director in the WAC, including scenic design and construction, lighting design, sound reinforcement, and theatrical maintenance.
Before Holland Hall, the Winfield, Kansas, native, worked for Royal Caribbean, was involved in a Rolling Stones’ 2006 tour stop, worked for DesignLab in Chicago and spent the past 15 years as director of performance facilities for the University of Tulsa’s Lorton Performance Center. He has also worked on numerous professional productions at the BOK Center and Tulsa PAC over the years.
It was during his time at TU that he discovered his love of teaching.
1. What inspired you to get into technical direction?
I have always loved theater and have been involved in some aspects since 2nd grade. I started doing tech theater in high school and fell in love with lighting design. So much so that is what I decided to major in at college. While at WSU we studied all aspects of technical theater so I was exposed to scenic design, set construction, sound design, etc. That is where my main interest lies, and the technical director at Holland Hall is responsible for all of those items. The last few years at TU my job was probably around 75% venue management and only 25% theater. It’s nice to work in a creative environment again.
2. What is one thing you hope every student takes away from your instruction, beyond what they learn in class?
An appreciation for the hard work and skill that go into making every performance possible.
3. What attracted you to Holland Hall, and what are you most looking forward to as you begin your time here?
After being at TU for 15 years and working hands-on with my student crews that had little to no tech theater experience, I discovered that I loved teaching. Watching kids come in as freshmen with no experience and graduate as seniors ready to enter the professional theater market if they chose was very rewarding. This position combines both theater and teaching, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. I’m most looking forward to being a part of the plays, musicals, and concerts that Holland Hall produces.
4. Toughest part of working on a cruise ship?
Managing 18-year-old cast members who were on their own, away from home for the first time, in international waters, and had new-found freedoms they wanted to exploit. Keeping them in line and out of trouble with the staff captain could be a full-time job.
5. Best part of working on a cruise ship?
Traveling the world and making lifelong friends.
6. Ever work with anyone famous?
I have worked on numerous productions involving famous people, but not in a personal context. As an example, I didn’t meet Mick Jagger when I worked the Stones concert, but I came within 15 feet of him.
Some of the famous people I have gotten to work with and interact with are: Sonia Sotomayor, Noel Paul Stookey, Natalie Merchant, Lovie Smith, Chris Cagle, Brandin Lea, Julius Thomas III, Aimee Dombo Desmond, Billy Richards, Herb Reed, and Johnny Thunder.
7. Tell us a little bit about your relationship with Tyne Shillingford and Jody Ely
I met Tyne when we both lived in Chicago and she was in a dance company with my ex-wife. I met Jody shortly after moving to Tulsa through Local 354. I was new to Tulsa’s theater scene, and Jody helped me get acclimated.
A few personal favs
Sarah Smith
Holland Hall Chaplain Sarah Smith joined Holland Hall in 2023 after coaching at independent schools in Oklahoma City, then leading her own parish, before spending time at the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.
She holds degrees from Notre Dame and Vanderbilt.
A sixth-generation Oklahoman who graduated from an independent school, she is uniquely qualified to teach religion courses and offer pastoral care at Holland Hall.
Christy Utter
Christy serves as the Middle School Chaplain in addition to her role as head field hockey coach. A 1992 graduate of Holland Hall, Utter coached at the University of Louisville and Brown before returning to Holland Hall.
She holds degrees from the University of North Carolina and the University of Louisville.
Her mission as a chaplain is simple: Helping students to understand the consequences of their choices, helping them to develop a strong moral compass, and guiding them as they lead of life of loving others with compassion, no judgment, and understanding and appreciating the differences in others.
Kristin Lees
Kristin serves as the Primary School Chaplain and is instrumental in teaching the Second Step curriculum, which promotes social and emotional skills in children. The program fosters and builds skills related to empathy, communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
