mattfotis.com

“Matt was really interested in his students learning and always made class fun. I never felt lectured at but always a part of the creative process. He encouraged his students to write their very best without directing their creativity. You can tell Matt loves what he does and it makes a huge difference in class.”

Click HERE to access my teaching portfolio, including my teaching philosophy, teaching CV, sample syllabi, student evaluations and more!

“He helped many of us break out and do more than we thought we could do.”

Improvisational Theatre, University of Missouri (introduced course to curriculum)

• History, theory and practice of Chicago style improvisational performance. Students perform short-form, long-form, and a group devised show, as well as write a paper on a scholarly aspect of improvisation.

Beginning Playwriting, University of Missouri (cross listed with English)

• Introduction to basic playwriting structure and technique, as well as a survey of relevant dramatic literature culminating in the writing of a ten-minute and one-act play. 

Screenwriting for Television & Film, University of Missouri (cross listed with Film Studies)

• An upper-level writing course exploring the fundamentals of storytelling utilizing tools and structures used by film and television. Students write a short screenplay and television spec episode.
  

Acting, University of Missouri

• Introductory theory and practice of Stanislavski based actor training. Students perform three pieces throughout the semester as well as writing acting critiques of university productions.
  

Introduction to Improv, Moraine Valley Community College

• Basic performance techniques for improvisational theatre, culminating in a public performance.
  

Children’s Acting, Moraine Valley Community College

• Acting technique for children’s theatre, including a public performance of a children’s theatre piece.

Experiencing Theatre, Illinois State University (Section Instructor)

• Introduction to the basic history, theory and practice of theatre arts geared toward the non-major. Intended to help students think and write critically about theatre and the creative process.

The Theatre in Society, University of Missouri (TA)

• Introduction to the basic history, theory and practice of theatre arts geared toward the non-major.
  

Queer Theatre, Illinois State University (TA)

• A survey of the main dramatic and theoretical works pertaining to queer theatre in the United States.
  

Theatre History I, Illinois State University (TA)

• An advanced history course covering dramatic history from the Greeks to the Restoration.
  

Theatre History II, Illinois State University (TA)

• An advanced history course covering the Restoration to the present day.

_ “Improving Training, Creativity and Management Using Improv.” Seminar at Central Missouri Chapter of    
        the American Society for Training & Development, 2012.

“Managing a Staff: Improv Training.” Seminar for student supervisory staff, Department of Residential Life,
        University of Missouri, 2012.

“Improv for Insurance.” Two-day training seminar for Training Staff, Shelter Insurance, 2011.

“Creating a Character on Your Feet.” Two-day training seminar for Interactive Theatre Troupe, University of
        Missouri, 2011.

“Improv for Teachers.” Three-day training seminar for Freshman Interest Group teachers, University of
        Missouri, 2011.

“Improv in Life.” One month workshop with the Columbia Area Career Center, 2011.

“Leadership Training – Creativity Workshop.” Training session with University of Missouri Residential Life
        Staff, 2011.

“Improvisational Acting.” Master-Class presented as part of the University of Missouri Larry Clark Actor’s
        Workshop, 2010.

“Playwriting Fundamentals: Writing a ten-minute play.” Workshop presented at Rockbridge High School,
        Columbia, MO, 2009.

“Creativity Through Improv.” Workshop presented to Theatre/Film FIG at University of Missouri-Columbia,
        2009.

“Sketch Writing 101.” Weekend workshop held at Monmouth College, 2008.

“The Business of Art: From University to Professional – Making the move from the classroom to the real
        world – Chicago Edition.” Workshop presented at Monmouth College, 2008.

“The Business of Art: Professional Identity and Marketing Strategies for Artists and Arts Organizations.” 
        Presentation presented at Monmouth College, 2008.

“Writing for the Stage.” Workshop held in conjunction with Shantz Theatre at American Theater Company,
        2006.

“Developing Written Material from Improv.” Workshop presented at Monmouth College in conjunction with
        Shantz Theatre, 2004.

“Improv 101.” Workshop presented at Illinois High School Theatre Festival at Illinois State University in
        conjunction with Improv Mafia, 2004.

“Improv Basics.” Workshop presented at Monmouth College, 2001.

“Improvisational Theatre: A history and interactive demonstration.” Presented at Somonauk High School in
        conjunction with Anvilhead Theatre, 2001.

“Improv Comedy.” Workshop presented at Union High School in Biggsville, IL, in conjunction with
        Anvilhead Theatre, 2000.