Alison Matthews
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was working as a professional actor in Vancouver and wanted to develop my skills as a theatre voice trainer. UBC was a natural fit since my father and all my uncles were alumni.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
All the time I was able to spend learning from voice and speech experts at Canada’s National Voice Intensive, hosted by UBC, was incredibly valuable to me. It was an opportunity to immerse myself deeply in practical studies with a team of experts.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I approached Associate Professor Gayle Murphy in the UBC Department of Theatre and Film and she agreed to mentor me and be my advisor. Her knowledge and expertise continues to inform the work I do to this day. I will always be grateful to her, and to the other faculty in department.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I was the inaugural voice coach for Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, a position I have developed through the years. Now, fourteen years later, I’m Head of Coaching for the festival.
I’m also a faculty member at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, where I teach in the acclaimed Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I was already a mid-career professional when I entered my studies at UBC, but my MFA degree gave me the training and rigour I needed to become an expert in my field.
My studies helped me to deepen my understanding of voice, and to develop theoretical knowledge alongside my professional experience, supporting me to be a better teacher.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Every day I learn from the students I teach, the actors I coach, and the colleagues with whom I work. I love and continue to learn from the discussions I have with them.
When I started my degree at UBC, I joined an academic community which has been a springboard into many wonderful collaborations. I take great pride in maintaining an inspirational, motivational relationship with my academic colleagues in my current drama department, and believe that the work on which we collaborate benefits us all.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I believe that the ability to speak effectively is important to us in all aspects of our work and lives, and am deeply committed to the development of the human voice as an artistic expression and a means of communication across a spectrum of professional endeavours.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Train, train, train. And if someone tells you you can’t do it, don’t listen. If it’s what you love, never give up.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Keep going—it’s all going to be worth it.
Alison Matthews
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I was working as a professional actor in Vancouver and wanted to develop my skills as a theatre voice trainer. UBC was a natural fit since my father and all my uncles were alumni.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
All the time I was able to spend learning from voice and speech experts at Canada’s National Voice Intensive, hosted by UBC, was incredibly valuable to me. It was an opportunity to immerse myself deeply in practical studies with a team of experts.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I approached Associate Professor Gayle Murphy in the UBC Department of Theatre and Film and she agreed to mentor me and be my advisor. Her knowledge and expertise continues to inform the work I do to this day. I will always be grateful to her, and to the other faculty in department.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I was the inaugural voice coach for Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, a position I have developed through the years. Now, fourteen years later, I’m Head of Coaching for the festival.
I’m also a faculty member at the University of Alberta’s Department of Drama, where I teach in the acclaimed Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
I was already a mid-career professional when I entered my studies at UBC, but my MFA degree gave me the training and rigour I needed to become an expert in my field.
My studies helped me to deepen my understanding of voice, and to develop theoretical knowledge alongside my professional experience, supporting me to be a better teacher.
What do you like about your current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Every day I learn from the students I teach, the actors I coach, and the colleagues with whom I work. I love and continue to learn from the discussions I have with them.
When I started my degree at UBC, I joined an academic community which has been a springboard into many wonderful collaborations. I take great pride in maintaining an inspirational, motivational relationship with my academic colleagues in my current drama department, and believe that the work on which we collaborate benefits us all.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
I believe that the ability to speak effectively is important to us in all aspects of our work and lives, and am deeply committed to the development of the human voice as an artistic expression and a means of communication across a spectrum of professional endeavours.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Train, train, train. And if someone tells you you can’t do it, don’t listen. If it’s what you love, never give up.
What advice would you give your graduating self?
Keep going—it’s all going to be worth it.
