Matthew Ryan: National Play Festival

Matthew Ryan  

Matthew Ryan is just one of the many writers featuring in the National Play Festival. His work is self described as “heightened, off-beat and imaginative.” Check out his answers to our ArtsHub Career Profile below.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor. Well… a bad actor.

When did you know you would write for theatre?
At the opening night of my first written play at university and hearing the audience laughing. I had decided to write a play on a whim. As soon as I heard the audience react to the world I’d created in my head, I was hooked.

How would you describe your writing to a complete stranger?
In truth, I’d probably change the subject. If forced, my writing tends to be heightened, off-beat and imaginative. The interior mind becomes exterior quite a lot in my work.

What's your background - are there studies that prepare you for this?
I studied English/Drama at UQ but most of what I know I learnt from acting and backstage work.

What's the first thing career related you usually do each day?
Check my email.

Can you describe an "average" working day for you?
Make a cup of tea. Check my email. Check various entertainment/theatre websites. Put appropriate music on. Read my notes and where I’m at. Settle in. Write for 12 - 16 hours.

What's the one thing - piece of equipment, toy, security-blanket – that you can't write without?
I have a rock I like to rub when I’m trying to think of an idea. I also have a beautiful old fob watch that I keep nearby. I like opening it and staring at the cogs ticking away.

What gets you fired up?
“Fired up” as in passionate? Good writing. Sneaky writing. Sleight-of-hand writing.
“Fired up” as in angry? People who “don’t like story getting in the way of art”.

Who in the industry most inspires you?
Anyone who makes something beautiful and gets it in front of an audience.

What in the industry do you despair about?
The growing misunderstanding of what a story actually is.

What is the best thing about your job?
Daydreaming.

What’s the worst?
Politics.

What are the top three skills you need in this industry?
An imaginative mind. A discerning eye. A polite mouth.

What advice would you give an emerging playwright looking to break into the field?
Don’t be too defensive about your work. Take advice. Try it out. Then decide if it’s any good. Just make sure you’re listening to people you respect.

When do you know you’ve made it?
Never.

The National Play Festival will take place in Brisbane between the 15th and the 20th of February. For more information visit http://www.nationalplayfestival.org.au.