
Profiles
Dr John Matthews
Associate Professor in Theatre
School of Humanities and Performing Arts (Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business)
Associate Professor in Theatre and the Programme Leader for BA Acting
Qualifications
Teaching interests
John's teaching is informed by his research in training practices and theories. He also teaches masters level students on the philosophy of training practice while offering PhD supervision in the areas of acting, training, embodiment and emergent technology in training practices.
Staff serving as external examiners
John has served as an External Examiner for undergraduate programmes at UK HEI as well as for PhD level students at University of London. He has served on QQA Audit panels and validation events in addition to writing new programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Research interests
John's research interests include acting and training theory and practice as well as philosophy of performance. His most recent work has focused on performance ontology and the role of temporality in training.
In addition to these specialisms, John also supervises doctoral research in the area of new technologies and AI in performance training practice.
Other research
John has published on the subject of ethics in performance and his co-edited collection, A Life of Ethics and Performance, is now available in a second paperback edition.
Grants & contracts
AHRC Research Fellowship, 2013-2015 Research Fellow of the Stanislavski Centre, 2009-2011
Creative practice & artistic projects
John's most recent artistic project has been for a BBC radio 4 xtra production about the journey of the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower from Plymouth to America
Key publications
Anatomy of Performance Training, London: Methuen Drama, 2014 Training for Performance, London: Methuen Drama, 2011 A Life of Ethics and Performance, Newcastle Upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars, 2011 & 2014 ‘CORPSING’ 2014 & 2011 in A Life of Ethics and Performance ‘WHAT IS A WORKSHOP?’ Nov. 2012 in Theatre Dance & Performance Training journal ‘ACTING FREELY’ Nov. 2009 in Performance Research journal
Key publications are highlighted
JournalsReports & invited lectures
‘BODY OF WORK’ a five part, week long series of ‘lunchtime lectures at The Old Operating Theatre Museum, London
Other academic activities
John reviews proposals and manuscripts for Methuen Drama and Palgrave MacMillan publishing houses as well as peer reviews papers for Theatre, Dance and Performance Training and the Stanislavski Studies journal.
Additional information
John likes to surf and swim in the beautiful seas and rivers of the south west. He enjoys yoga and cycles to work.