EP. 12 - Matthew Piper
Download MP3In this episode of Behind the Curtain at RMT, host Roy Lightner sits down with the incredibly talented Matthew Piper, who stars as Prince Eric in Red Mountain Theatre's production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Tune in as Matthew shares his unique journey to the stage, starting from his childhood growing up on a farm in a small Alabama town where his family wasn't familiar with the theater world. He hilariously recounts his very first audition in the fifth grade—where he snagged a role by singing the "Cup Song" from Pitch Perfect without the actual cup—and explains how the strong sense of belonging and community kept him hooked on the arts. Listeners will also hear the full-circle story of how a welcoming college audition led by Roy himself convinced Matthew to officially pursue a musical theater degree at UAB.
Listen as they dive into Matthew's blossoming career, transitioning straight from a nine-month stint performing on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship to stepping into the shoes of an iconic Disney prince. He reveals the fun fact that he actually first played the role of Prince Eric in the eighth grade, making this a true homecoming moment. Matthew opens up about redefining success on his own terms, navigating life chapter by chapter, and his pursuit of finding ultimate freedom and a "flow state" during his performances. He also shares how looking up to grounded, talented artists like his Frozen co-star Sarah Fernandez has shaped his own professional trajectory.
Beyond his current success, Matthew speaks about his simple but profound dream: to experience as much of life as possible and remain happy in whatever path he chooses to take. He reveals a beautiful personal practice on stage, sharing how he uses his moments of true artistic freedom to sing a silent "thank you" to the family, friends, and mentors who have supported his journey.
Whether you're a local theater supporter, a young artist figuring out your path, or just someone who loves a heartwarming story of finding your people, this joyful and grounded episode is a must-listen!
Creators and Guests
Host
Roy Lightner
Roy Lightner is an award-winning theatre creator, director, choreographer, and educator born and raised in Kansas City. Prior to his tenure at RMT, Roy served as the Associate Artistic Director for the Transcendence Theatre Company, and also on the Musical Theatre Faculty of Ithaca College. Additionally, Roy has taught courses at Arizona State University and Cornell University. His work as a creator, director, and choreographer spans internationally, including productions and immersive events for Google, Lincoln Center, the Stephen Sondheim Center, Transcendence Theatre Company, MTWichita, Music Theatre of Kansas City, GEVA Theatre, Cape Playhouse, Westin Playhouse, Depot Theatre, and more. As a creator/director/choreographer his credits include: Transcendence Theatre Company’s productions of Oh, What a Night! (2015 Winner - Best Director, Broadway World San Francisco), Superheroes in Love, and Music of the Night; New York City Opera’s Lucky to Be Me (Lincoln Center, assistant to Peggy Hickey), Hairspray, Miss Saigon (Sondheim Center), Hound of the Baskervilles (Cape Playhouse, New Jersey Rep, Westin Playhouse, Depot Theatre), Bring It On (Music Theatre of Kansas City), Hairspray (Winner - Best Director, Broadway World KC), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Good News, Urban Cowboy, Starmites, Little Shop of Horrors, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and more. Dance Concert Choreography credits include: two full-length original choreographic works Under the Covers (Ithaca College) and In Your Eyes (Miller-Marley Ballet Company), The Oklahoma City Dance Project, NYC’s Community Dance Project, New York City’s Jazz Choreography Enterprise, Astoria Fine Arts and B.C. Beat. Performance credits total over 40 professional productions. As a national director for Dancers Inc., he toured the country as a Master Class teacher. Roy has taught at New York City’s Professional Performing Arts School, as well as created the contemporary/musical theatre dance program for the Astoria School of Fine Arts. He graduated summa cum laude from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Musical Theatre; and received his Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts with a Concentration in Performance Creation from Goddard College. Roy is currently an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
