Today we’d like to introduce you to Matty Owen.
Matty, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up as part of a large musical family in Kansas and then went to school at Indiana University in Bloomington. In 2018, I moved to Grand Rapids and sought out performance opportunities and ways to expand my network. I have always loved theatre and music and I have always tried to be working on some kind of show to both practice my skillset and expand it with new challenges. Now in 2026, I’m coming up on 4 years at the Grand Rapids Voice Collective as a teacher and vocal coach, I am currently working on my ninth production in the role of Music Director in West Michigan, and I have come on as co-owner of a theatrical production company The Aimless Artist Collective. I am also a collaborative pianist working with singers one on one, playing in pit orchestras, and contracting to make audio recordings and build synthesizer sound files for musical productions. My path has been guided by a few principles: try new things, be open to many kinds of roles in a collaborative project as long as you can be a part of it, and try to connect sincerely with the people you’re working with. And bring out/encourage the strengths you see in others. Grand Rapids has a special community filled with hard working talented people. I’ve been very lucky to work with several hundred of them, and look forward to meeting more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I began performing here in 2019 with the Circle Theatre concert series and then being cast as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Actors Theatre GR. Then, Covid-19 hit and the show I was cast in was cancelled. I pivoted since I was not able to get onstage, and worked with the Vagrancy to do theatre/mixed media over zoom and film recordings outside. I also put on an at home fundraiser concert for Circle Theatre, and worked with Colvin Theatricals to produce a live streamed concert of music from a studio on the north side of town. Then I was part of the Actors Theatre 2021 outdoor concert series. I felt it was important to still try and be seen and make connections even if we couldn’t make theatre in a traditional way. Eirann Betka-Pope reached out and offered me Malpolmene in Xanadu at the Pyramid Scheme late 2021, and then in 2022 I was cast as a leading lady in two Circle Theatre productions The Music Man and Little Shop of Horrors. Life will not always follow a linear path and the ability to pivot to new ways of performing has been helpful not only in getting to work but also in developing new skills that I can take with me to future projects.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a multitasker. I am a singer, actor, music director, vocal coach, collaborative pianist, pit musician, arranger, recording artist, programmer, and I also illustrate portraits though I do not do that for money anymore. I love musical theatre and have decades of obsession with the musical theatre canon. I have been playing piano for 24 years. I think some of my strengths are choosing/crafting a song for auditions, expressing the emotional heart of a show through its music, and sight reading. I am probably the most proud of my performances as a singer and actor, stepping into the roles of leading ladies and living as an example of a trans woman onstage for others to see themselves in and realize that these opportunities are possible. I think something that sets me apart as a music director is my experience in arranging sheet music for bands so that we can adjust keys for performers, and in general being more actor focused in how I work in the rehearsal room. I have been on both sides of the table and try to do my best to give my actors what I wish I had received when working with others. I also get praise for my work as a collaborative accompanist when I work with choreographers, as we can integrate the music into the process of learning dance and build retention earlier.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a 30 year old trans woman living in America. That’s risky. But it’s also nonnegotiable. To be authentic and to do your best work, you have to show up as who you are completely. I believe in showing up with an open heart, and confronting disrespect directly. I also sometimes say yes to projects when at the beginning, I am less confident about how I will achieve my goals. This is risky. But it also pushes me to think creatively, focus on prioritizing what is needed, and to expand my skills for the future.
Pricing:
- Lesson at GRVC $75 50 minute session
- Tickets to Falsettos the Musical August 29th @the Pyramid Scheme $30
- Sponsorships available for falsettos on the AAC website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theaimlessartistcollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaimlessartistcollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattyowen6549
- Other: https://www.grandrapidsvoicecollective.com/
