Matthew Johnson Harris
Deliberate Creator
The Work
Matthew Johnson Harris is a director, choreographer, writer, and developer. He calls himself a deliberate creator—a storyteller whose role may shift with each project, but whose purpose remains constant: to create with clear intention and thoughtful execution. His work is grounded in message-driven storytelling, inviting audiences to reflect, feel, and connect.Matthew is drawn to stories that elevate individual lived experiences and embrace intersectionality. As a Black gay man raised in the evangelical South, his perspective shapes every aspect of his storytelling—rooted in authenticity, identity, and nuance.
As a director, Matthew began his Broadway journey as the Black Theatre Coalition Directing Apprentice on the Tony-nominated Hangmen. He went on to serve as Associate Director on the Tony-winning revival of Parade. In an era where reimagining masculinity is vital, his current projects—including Without Walls by Alfred Uhry, Anonymous Skin by Cris Eli Black, and Did Everyone Have An Imaginary Friend or Just Me? by Jay Ellis—explore themes of intimacy, identity, and the lingering effects of toxic masculinity across generations and gender identities.
As a choreographer, Matthew recently premiered The Preacher's Wife at the Alliance Theatre and choreographed Take Me To The World: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall. His work spans live performances, galas, workshops, and music videos—each piece crafted with vision, movement, and heart.
The Mission
Matthew believes that how we create art is just as important as the art itself. In 2023, he helped design the DEI framework used in the Tony Award-winning revival of Parade. The Parade Broadway website features a dedicated resource page with materials he used to guide the cast through the show’s sensitive subject matter.
👉 Click here to watch a video highlighting Matthew’s work with the company, and read this article covering the process in depth.
Matthew is also the creator and host of The Art and Soul Video Podcast—a series of thoughtful conversations on topics like self-care, ARTivism, and the difference between accomplishment and fulfillment. Guests come from diverse lived experiences, faith backgrounds, and creative disciplines. The first season features Alfred Uhry, Tituss Burgess, Zhailon Levingston, Warren Adams, Charles Randolph-Wright, Skylar Fox, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Rabbi Joshua Stanton, Georgia Stitt, Anthony Wayne, Keenan Scott II, Aisha Jackson, James Sampliner, Molly Kerns, Hailee Kaleem Wright, and more.
The Outreach
Matthew is a core instructor at The Alvin Ailey Extension. As a movement instructor, he creates a space where students of all levels can escape, challenge themselves, and leave feeling stronger, more confident, and empowered. He has been featured in multiple fitness publications and has appeared on camera as a lead trainer for Daily Burn, as well as in campaigns for major fitness brands including BowFlex. With multiple certifications under his belt, Matthew has taught at top fitness and wellness institutions including Equinox, NYSC, Reebok Sports Club, The JCC, Flywheel, BeFitNYC, Core Rhythm Fitness, West End Fitness, and more. Click here to book a class with Matthew at The Alvin Ailey Extension.
Beyond the studio, Matthew’s commitment to outreach and equity led him to found The Mosaic Project in 2016, in collaboration with Middle Church. The initiative raises funds for nonprofits supporting marginalized communities and promotes interfaith dialogue through concerts and productions featuring Broadway performers. Under his leadership, the project has produced 13 performances, showcased over 100 Broadway artists, and raised more than $100,000 for organizations doing critical work.