Opening Act
Matthew Greene is an accomplished professional in the arts and entertainment industry, currently serving as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Opening Act since September 2015. In this role, Matthew specializes in building relationships for programmatic and developmental support. Prior experiences include positions as Associate Director of Act 2 and Alumni Development, Act 2 College and Career Program Manager, College and Career Coordinator, and Teaching Artist, all at Opening Act. Matthew's previous roles also encompass working as a Technical Specialist at Apple, Sales Manager at Broadway Merchandising LLC, and Youth Care Worker at Boys Town. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts from Brigham Young University, earned in 2010.
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Opening Act
Actively centering Black and Brown storytellers for two decades through free, high-quality theater programming, Opening Act is a committed partner in leveling the playing field for young Black, Indigenous, and youth of color attending New York City public schools. Harnessing the power of theater to build community, unlock potential, and unleash possibilities, Opening Act is moving beyond the building so young people across New York City (and beyond) have a consistently joyful space to connect, collaborate, and activate their futures! The Problem New York City public schools are deeply inequitable. In a system where only 37% of high schools have theater programs, the recent (and catastrophic) cuts to the city’s budget will diminish access and destroy opportunity for countless young people disproportionately impacted by the intersecting crises wrought by the pandemic and racial injustice. Why Opening Act For twenty years, Opening Act has been able to consistently show up for young people in New York City, despite fluctuating budgets, because our programs are free. Taught by highly skilled Teaching Artists, trained in trauma informed practices, Opening Act is uniquely positioned to support students, families, and schools as they grapple with the complex challenges we face today. "I will take the skills that I've learned and move through life with purpose. I will always know that I have a support system with people I can trust." -Jacob M., Alum Since 2000 ... Number of young people engaged 5000+ Hours of programming 12,000+ Off-Broadway student performances 194 Virtual student performance 1 (2020) Scholarships awarded $55,000+ Alumni turned Opening Act staff, interns, & teaching artists 21 "Opening Act is a critical partner in our efforts to keep students connected and engaged during this crisis." -Marie Polinsky, Director of Student Support and Academic Services, District 79