ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Other Guise is a community-motivated theatre company based on Vancouver Island. We are committed to developing theatrical presentations which reflect the history and culture of our community, and support the livelihoods of emerging and established Vancouver Island artists. Historically, our work has featured local stories told with strong musical elements. As the company undergoes a revamp, we look forward to exploring fresh formats and pursuing new artistic passions!

Staff

Matthew Payne

Artistic and Executive Director

Matthew lives and works as a theatre professional on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen speaking peoples (Victoria). Since graduating from the University of Victoria in 1993, he has worked regularly in Canadian Theatre, taking on a variety of roles and spending time in Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto. Matthew dedicates his professional career to dreaming up inspirational and innovative projects that tour the world, to the development of new work (primarily by Victoria writers) and to building community. 

Matthew has worked professionally as a writer, performer, carpenter, director, production manager, stage manager and administrator. He has worked with a myriad of companies, including: The Belfry Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Story Theatre, Kaleidoscope Theatre, Giggling Iguana, Nightswimming, Crow’s Theatre, and a dozen peer companies based in Vancouver.

In 2010 he furthered his training in a director’s master class led by Peter Hinton, Martha Henry and Josette Bushell-Mingo.

Matthew is a co-founder of Theatre SKAM. As Artistic and Managing Producer, Matthew shepherded SKAM through a period of remarkable fiscal growth. The company’s annual budget grew from five figures to over $1,000,000. The public funding received by SKAM speaks to the high opinion Matthew’s peers have of his values and his leadership.

In 2019, Matthew was awarded the ProArt Mid Career Artist Award.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Mark Dusseault

Treasurer Rance Mok

Secretary Kate Wallace

Members Yukari Peerless

Brandi Duy

Alex Pym