Flat Hat Actor's Studio

Flat Hat Actor's Studio

5.0(4 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

Matthew C. Logan loves teaching acting to students of all ages! He is currently certified in Texas in Theatre in all grades and just moved back to the San Antonio area after working in one of the nations most influential theatres. Matthew founded the award winning Houston Christian High School Theatre program, taught at Spruce High School and led Kingwood High School to Region contest in his first year as head director (when the school flooded and there was no theatre). The second year at Kingwood High School his musical production of 'Newsies' was awarded Kingwood's first Tommy Tune in history and nominated for more Tommy Tune awards in it's history.

Matthew C. Logan is a critically acclaimed and award-winning director with a career that spans over 22 years and includes six "Best Director" nominations and four "Best Show" nominations. His productions have received rave reviews from Broadway World, Houston Press and the Tommy Tune Awards. Matthew has staged over 40 shows in Texas' most recognized theatres which include Miller Outdoor Theatre and The Hobby Center for Performing Arts.

In addition to his contemporary and musical theatre work, Matthew has directed countless productions of Shakespeare, serving as the Artistic Director of Shakespeare Under the Stars in Wimberley, TX and the Associate Artistic Director of Moon Valley Productions in Phoenix, AZ where he founded its Shakespeare program.

​Matthew attended the UK's prestigious East 15 Acting School, graduating with distinction and earning his Masters of Fine Arts in Directing. While in London, he had the privilege to serve alongside Ben Crystal (co-author of 'Shakespeare's Words') as assistant director on Pericles. Shortly after returning to Houston in 2014, he was also awarded the opportunity to assist on Bruce Lumpkin's would-be controversial reimagining of 'Hands on a Hardbody,' which drew international criticism of Lumpkin and the production.

​Following the whirlwind of 'Hardbody,' Matthew self-produced and directed three mainstage productions: 'Angels in America: The Millenium Approaches (Part One),' 'Angels in America: Perestroika (Part Two)' and Peter Shaffer's, 'Equus' (2014). His award-nominated staging of Equus was hailed by Broadway World as "intense and beautifully poignant", "...tense, vexing and oddly profound." "It was difficult to pry my eyes away." and Houston Press touted it "must-see theater."

​In 2015, Matthew was granted prestigious opportunities in educational theatre, lecturing at Rice University and Sam Houston State University. He would soon take on the role of head artistic director for Kingwood High School. The school's infamous destruction during Hurricane Harvey resulted in the theatre receiving global news coverage from CNN. Matthew was responsible for aiding in the recovery efforts to restore and revitalize the theatre, which successfully reopened the following year with overwhelming support from the community.

​Matthew was most recently featured as Assistant Director for Johanna McKeon at The Old Globe Theatre in San DIego, CA on 'Noura' and was working on the West Coast debut of 'Faceless' at the Old Globe when the Pandemic hit.

I love teaching students and watching their eyes sparkle with enthusiasm when they achieve something impossible. When I first taught at Houston Christian High School, those "light bulb" moments made me proud to be an educator. This continued in my educational work at Spruce High School, Kingwood High School, Sam Houston State University, Rice University and Lone Star College. I love working with students of all ages!


Highlights

12 employees
12 years in business
Serves Canyon Lake , TX
Offers online services

Social media


Specialties

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Acting venue(s)

Theater, Improv theater, Musical theater, Film, TV episode, TV commercial, Radio, Not applicable; lessons are for personal interest

People in group

1 person, 2-4 people, 5 or more people

Acting focus area(s)

No specific focus, Hone diction and enunciation, Expand vocal range, Strengthen vocal projection, Refine vocal expression, Develop specific accent(s), Develop specific dialect(s)

Students goals

To prepare for an audition, To build confidence, To explore as a hobby, To continue professional development

Acting type(s)

I can make recommendations, Scene study, Cold reading, Method acting, Classical acting, Voice-over, Improv, Physical theater and movement

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    EL

    Eddy L.

    I’ve worked with Matthew on two separate productions as an actor. The first role was very movement based (non-speaking) and the second, I played the lead role for a musical. His directing method is very organic, which I love. One of the many things I learned with Matt is that every movement, every decision has a purpose and he’s really great at helping you discover and connect that purpose to each acting decision you make, which leads to more of those “magic” moments. His passion for bringing out your inner best on stage is what makes him so good. He knows when you’re pushing too hard or not giving enough and will not only balance that energy, but lead and assist you in creating a depth to the role you’re playing to make your performance shine. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with Matt, you’ll learn more about the craft of acting in a few sessions than you will in a few years of studying. He is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate directors I know and will trust him whenever I need guidance or coaching for any performance.
    ... Show more
    November 17, 2019

    NM

    Nick M.

    Hands-down, Matthew is the best acting teacher Ive ever had, and Im incredibly fortunate to have him as my mentor. With his training, Matthew helped me get accepted into East 15 Acting School – a top drama school conservatory in London. In addition to his training, Matthew also cast me in his productions which allowed us to implement his techniques into practical use and create some of my best work. Through his stellar direction and guidance, I won a best actor award for our work on Amadeus, and I still regard it as one of my best performances thanks to Matthew.
    Matthew draws upon multiple practitioners to develop you into a well-rounded, multi-layered character. His specialty is freeing the actor from work that traps you in your head and instead relies on using your physicality to explore your character. Matthew has a way of helping you break down your barriers as an actor and let you discover a character from the inside-out.
    Rather than focusing on banal script analysis with objectives and tactics, Matthew asks questions on circumstances and highlights context within scenes to help you get out of your head and off the page. This will give you tools to create work that is fresh every time and opens you to be authentic and responsive. He allows you to truly listen and genuinely react in scenes without using standard Meisner techniques.
    Most importantly, Matthew listens to you. He will help you tackle your challenges and conquer your goals as an actor. He adapts to you and how you like to work to create your best performance. If one of his techniques doesnt work for you, he can recognize it and change his approach. He and I have used many different exercises to find what suits me best as a performer and strengthen my abilities.
    Throughout my continued training, Matthew stands out above all because hes not just a teacher or coach – hes a friend. Matthew has become one of my best friends which made our work even better. Undoubtedly, he will truly transform your acting career. I cannot recommend Matthew enough.
    ... Show more
    November 11, 2019

    BH

    Braden H.

    Truly remarkable teacher and director. He changed my craft so much for the better and I couldn’t be more grateful. Highly highly recommend.
    ... Show more
    November 10, 2019

    JG

    James G.

    Matt is fantastic. He works with you so that you develop the skills necessary to get in the head of the character. Be it for a play, musical, Shakespeare, or monologue, Matt is patient and challenging. You need him if you want to take your craft to the next level.
    ... Show more
    November 10, 2019

    Frequently asked questions

    In group lessons, we will start bonding and creating an environment where it is free to take risks and explore. This typically involves games that are fun. I also assess where the students are and will start an individualized approach for each student. For example, one student may have excellent physical theatre skills but needs to work on listening as an actor. I will partner that person with someone who is suited to strengthen her/him.

    In solo lessons, I work in a similar fashion. There is quite a bit of work done with monologues, Acting for TV and Film. I do extensive work in Meisner and Stanivsalvski based methods. However, it is equally important to get the actor to learn to engage to her/his creativity through the imagination and improvisation. In addition, I specialize in physical acting and improvisation that leads to greater use of the actor's entire self as her/his instrument.


    Services offered

    Acting
    Voice Acting
    Public Speaking
    Speech
    Film Production