MattJohn West
If you saw the productions of Legally Blonde at the Firehouse or NTPA or have recently seen Beauty and the Beast at the Firehouse, you have certainly noticed the incredibly talented dancing of MattJohn West in the ensemble of these shows. MattJohn, who is also a superior singer and actor, exudes enthusiasm in his dancing and I have no idea how he can contort his body into all those different shapes. He can go from cat-like graceful moves to hip-hop to ballet and back and make it all look smooth and easy. MattJohn is just starting his performing arts journey here in DFW, but his skill and determination will most definitely have him in demand and appearing on stages all over. Take a few moments to learn more about this exciting young performer
When was your first time on stage?
My first time on stage was back in middle school. It was a small skit used to promote anti-bullying. I played the stereotypical nerdy student who got bullied! Some could say that was my first lead role Ha-ha! Honestly, I owe everything to my seventh-grade theater teacher, Ms. Mays. She really introduced me to the world of acting and made me fall in love with being on under the lights.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
This is kind of a hard question to answer simply because in some ways I feel like I've always known. Or at least that I've always wanted to be. It's kind of all I've been involved in. But I think it really set in as I was approaching graduating high school. It was time to seriously sit down and figure out, OK what's next!
Who is your greatest mentor?
A while back in college, I met Alvaro Carranza. As time has passed, I think we’ve definitely become besties, but he’s also been there whenever I needed help, advice, or just a laugh. So, shout out to him, love that guy!
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
My favorite role to date was playing The Lord of The Underworld in the show Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl! The show was so fun, and my version was kind of quirky and edgy at the same time! My director, honestly let me play, creatively, as much as I wanted to.
Do you have a dream role?
My top 3 dream roles are:
Ursula in The Little Mermaid
Lola in Kinky Boots
Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
I would absolutely love to share a stage with Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Angela Bassett! And in some world, I would lose everything if somehow, I'm sharing a stage with Keke Palmer! I love her and everything she does! She can literally do no wrong.
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
I was truly blown away by Uptown players production of Kinky Boots! Everyone was so good! The show felt so fresh, and there was never a dull moment! I was like a little kid at the candy store, eyes so wide and in awe.
What are your career goals?
I’ve always imagined myself becoming a household name. I want to achieve that by sharing my presence, my creativity, and my essence! Essentially around the world! That’s usually my goal whenever I'm out on stage, if you can find a way to connect or be moved by what I'm putting out on the table then my job is done. Mission accomplished! I hope to inspire anyone who feels like they’re alone and can't do something for xyz reasons. I want them to be able to see me, and say “If he can do it, then so can I”
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I much prefer a quiet night in, rather than out partying! I think I've finally reached that point in my life where a glass of wine, a slice of pizza, and my blanket snuggled up on the couch is just so much more appealing than a bunch of strangers drunkenly screaming in my face.
