Matthew Shaffer has collaborated on over 40 projects across Broadway, film, and television. An interdisciplinary artist, educator, and advocate, Shaffer’s creativity spans from performing on the Netflix original series Wet Hot American Summer to writing his debut book So You Want To Be A Dancer, which launched as an Amazon #1 New Release in Performing Arts. His second book, Dancing Out of the Closet––a collection of creative nonfiction essays––is “one of the most delightful and insightful reads in the last few years,” according to CNN contributor Dr. Paul Hokemeyer. After attending the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, Matthew continued his professional career as a principal dancer for the world-renowned Giordano Dance Chicago. Highlighted credits include Cold Case, Jackass Number Two, The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, Hansel & Gretel at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Earth to America with Jason Alexander, Broadway Cares with Rosie O’Donnell, Disney XD’s Kickin’ It, Bunheads, appearances alongside Adam Levine on Broad City, Wet Hot American Summer, and on the hit show Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. For over two decades, Matthew has taught at leading performing arts conservatories and conventions across the United States and Europe. After completing his MFA in directing and choreography from Wilson College, Matthew expanded his focus on the intersection of identity and grief in narratives related to theater and commercial art. As a choreographer, Shaffer’s work has been performed by A-listers like Ben Stiller, Rachel Platten (Fight Song), Megan Mullally, Armie Hammer, and Rebel Wilson. Whether directing and choreographing large-scale productions like Matilda the Musical or working with emerging artists in community theaters and festivals, Matthew fosters a creative environment to craft stories grounded in the belief that emotion is genderless, and that we’re all looking to connect and feel validated.

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