Matt Taylor is a lighting designer based in Detroit, MI. Originally from a small town in rural South Carolina, Matt attended undergraduate school at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. When he graduated, he continued his educational pursuit by entering the graduate program at the University of Florida, where he received his MFA in Lighting Design.
While in graduate school, Matt spent two summers at the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival--his first summer as a lighting design intern and his second as the main stage master electrician. During his time at WTF, he was introduced to numerous professional designers and electricians. Immediately after graduating from UF, Matt moved to NYC, where he had the incredible fortune to work with and continue to learn from these designers, assistants, and electricians. Matt later returned to Williamstown as Associate Lighting Supervisor.
In NYC, Matt’s work has been featured throughout the city including on and off Broadway.
Regionally his work as been seen at Ford’s Theatre (DC); Sundance Summer Theatre (Provo, UT); The Old Globe (San Diego); the Ahmanson (LA); the Cutler Majestic (Boston); Salt Lake Acting Company (SLC); Utah Metropolitan Ballet (Provo, UT); The Purple Rose (Chelsea, MI); Artis Naples (Naples, FL); Complexions Contemporary Ballet; Gunter Theatre at the Peace Center (Greenville, SC); West Virginia Public Theatre (Morgantown, WV); Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (Conway, AR); and many others.
Matt’s international work includes productions in Shanghai, China; Panamá City, Panamá; and extensive work on new build cruise ships for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
In 2019, Matt joined the faculty of Wayne State University's Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre & Dance where he is the Head of Lighting Design, leading the MFA and BFA studies in Lighting Design for Live Entertainment. Prior to his time at Wayne, Matt served as an assistant professor at Utah Valley University, visiting assistant professor of lighting design at the University of Florida and the resident lighting and sound designer at the University of California Riverside.
Outside of the theatre, Matt spends a lot of time with family and friends. He loves the outdoors, coffee, food (especially BBQ), good music, a good book, a good laugh, and a good chat.
Matt is a proud member of USA 829, the representative of designers and scenic artists.