Welcome
Matthew Johnson Harris
Deliberate Creator
Direction and Choreography
Matthew Johnson Harris is a director, choreographer, writer, and developer.As a director, he is drawn to stories that explore individual lived experiences while promoting intersectionality. Being a Black gay man who grew up in the evangelical South, his storytelling is deeply rooted in that experience. In today’s world, he believes examining masculinity is essential. He is currently developing Without Walls by Alfred Uhry, Anonymous Skin by Cris Eli Black, and Did Everyone Have An Imaginary Friend or Just Me? By Jay Ellis. 3 different plays by writers from different generations and sexual identities that illuminate the absence of intimacy and the effects of toxic masculinity, issues that impact everyone, regardless of gender identity.
He most recently choreographed the world premiere production of The Preacher's Wife at the Alliance Theatre. He also choreographed Take Me To The World: A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim at Carnegie Hall. He served as the Black Theate Coalition Directing Apprentice on The Tony Nominated Hangmen and Associate Director on The Tony Winning Revival of Parade. He has staged, choreographed, and creative directed a variety of live performances, galas, workshops, and music videos.
Art & Soul, DEI, and ARTivism
Matthew believes the way we create art is just as important as the as the art that is created. In 2023, he was instrumental in creating the structure for the DEI practices used in the recent Tony Winning Revival of Parade. There is a resource page on The Parade Broadway Website featuring the materials he used to guide the cast through the sensitive subject matter. Click HERE to watch a video highlighting his work with the company and an article covering his work HERE.
Matthew is the also the creator of The Art And Soul Video Podcast. Conversations explore diverse topics including themes of self care, ARTivism, and the difference between accomplishment and fulfillment. Guests include artists and healers from all types of lived experiences, faith backgrounds, and creative disciplines. The first round of guests include Alfred Uhry, Tituss Burgess, Zhalion 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.
In 2016, Matthew founded The Mosaic Project in collaboration with Middle Church, which raises money for different nonprofits that support marginalized groups and promotes interfaith through concerts and productions starring broadway performers. Under his direction there have been 13 productions, featuring 100+ Broadway Performers, and over $100,000 raised.
Dance and Fitness Classes
Matthew is a core instructor at The Alvin Ailey Extension. As a fitness and dance instructor Matthew's classes have been ranked among the best in New York City. He has been featured in multiple fitness publications. He has also been featured on camera as a lead trainer on Daily Burn and supporting talent with many other major fitness brands including BowFlex. No matter if it is in a dance class or a fitness class you'll experience an escape, reach for your personal best, and leave feeling empowered and strong. He holds multiple certifications.
Matthew’s dance and fitness classes have been offered at Equinox, Alvin Ailey, NYSC, Reebok Sports Club, The JCC, Flywheel, BeFitnyc, West End Fitness, Core Rhythm Fitness and many more.