Debuting Artist: Matthias Bolon

Please tell us a bit about your background and how you got into theatre!

I graduated last May with my MFA in Shakespeare and Performance from Mary Baldwin University; I also have a BA in Theatre and MA in Theatre and Performance Studies from CU Boulder. That is all a fancy way to say I am a huge nerd and like to study theatrical practices. Throughout my academic studies I have primarily focused on applied theatre (the ways theatre can be used in non-traditional performance fields to support mental and emotional well-being of marginalized groups) and Theatre for Young Audiences (creating comprehensible and thoughtful theatre for children). This was inspired by having theatre in my life since I was quite young. The first show I ever saw was The Greenshow at Utah Shakespeare Festival when I was around seven, and later when I was “grown up” at eight I got to attend the full-length Shakespeare productions with my parents. Even though I could not understand all the language, I was overjoyed that I could still comprehend much of the story through the visual movement and actor choices.

How did you first hear about OpenStage, and what drew you to work with us for this show?

Since I graduated and returned to Colorado, I’ve been invested in familiarizing myself with all of our local theatre. This summer in particular I wanted to stay in-state and perform where my family could come see the show. Folks who I have spoken with who have seen or been a part of OpenStage shows speak fondly of them, so I decided I would give auditioning a go.

What is your role in this show, and what excited you most about working on this particular production?

I am playing Nym (one of Falstaff’s crew) and John (one of the Ford’s servants). I was most excited to work on an unusual Shakespeare comedy. Merry Wives of Windsor has primarily prose dialogue with very little verse. I also adore working on comedies due to the challenge of a high energy performance and comedic timing.

What has been the most enjoyable or unexpected part of the rehearsal process so far?

The generosity of the company outside the context of rehearsal has been heartwarming. People have brought food and homemade baked goods, which was uplifting during the first day of off-book rehearsals. Previous OpenStage company members chat with and support new members. The community involved when collaborating on something as demanding as live performance is one of my favorite parts of theatre. I have also received some really cool book recommendations from folks once they realized how much I read. I’m commuting from a fairly far distance, so having audiobook options is marvelous. 

Why do you think this show is relevant to audiences now and should be performed today?

I’m currently navigating Nym’s very peculiar word choice. His favorite word is “humour” or “humor.” He uses that word at least 20 times in our cut of the show and it’s always in a slightly different way. It’s been fun figuring out what he is trying to get across every time he says that word.

What makes this show a unique kind of play to work on?

This is one of the only Shakespeare plays that has two middle-aged women as the leads (the titular Merry Wives); there are also the key supporting characters of Mistress Quickly and Anne Page. It’s such a delightful experience getting to be a part of a play that focuses on the joy, amusement, and desire of women, especially in classical work like this one. Despite the period restrictions for women, they use what agency they have to get up to shenanigans and choose the ending they want. 

Why do you think this show is relevant to audiences now and should be performed today?

The consistent element throughout the show is the lack of or miscommunication between characters. This is a common aspect of comedic plays, and that is something we still see in today’s sitcoms, romcoms, and our daily lives. The jokes and language may be older but these are familiar character and relationship dynamics. It’s interesting to think about why some of those dynamics have persisted today, and in what ways they may be damaging or uplifting in our own lives.

Can you share any interesting behind-the-scenes moments or stories from the production?

One of the first things Kate (our director) told me was to pick out an unusual weapon for Nym, because the Falstaff crew do their best to intimidate people throughout the show. It was quite fun trying different props in the rehearsal space before settling on mine. There’s nothing quite so amusing as using a strange, comedic weapon to threaten Slender in the first scene of the show.

If you could swap roles with any other character in this play for a day, who would it be and why?

That’s a tough one as there are so many fun characters to choose from. I think it would have to be Slender or Fenton. They are polar opposites when it comes to lover roles (goofy versus genuine), and it is quite delightful to watch on stage. 

What is your favorite play and/or musical, and why?

My favorite play is Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. When it comes to directing or performing in that play there is such a unique dichotomy between the deeply tragic first half and the lightheartedly romantic second half. It’s a gorgeous play of grief, loss, and hope.

Is there a dream role or type of production you hope to work on in the future?

My dream role is to play Launce in Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I’ve always wanted to play across from an animal actor, and that role works with a dog and has some truly delightful monologues. That’s my goal for the future, but before that I am off to my first year of my PhD program starting in September.

What do you like to do in your free time (when you’re not working on theatre projects)?

I am a enthusiastic reader and spend a great deal of my time curled up with tea and a book. My favorite genre is cosmic horror and sci-fi, though I’ve recently been delighted by some high fantasy books. I enjoy getting outside and touching grass, which I do when I run or take long walks; I recently ran a 5k in May and placed third in my age group. I also volunteer frequently with Rocky Mountain Equality Center by supporting their LGBTQ+ events, speaking at educational panels, and raising awareness about the damaging anti-trans youth measures coming up on the 2026 ballot.