The backstory . . .
#TrueStory
I spent half of my fifth-grade year pretending that I couldn't see the chalkboard.
Why?
I implemented an elaborate scheme to convince my teacher, Mrs. Trevor, and my parents, that I needed glasses.
All to impress the ingénue of Arnold Elementary School––who during recess–– declared that she'd only date boys that wore glasses. What she didn't express, is that the boys had to be blond-headed surfers, too!
Check out my book,
for the full story.
You may know interdisciplinary artist, educator, and advocate Matthew Shaffer from his television work on the Netflix original series Wet Hot American Summer, or from his notable advice on Dance Moms, or perhaps you recognize him from his short-lived role as a Pottery Barn sales associate.
With a career rooted in storytelling across stage, screen, and the classroom, Shaffer continues to shape meaningful dialogue through performance, education, and authorship.
Matthew’s debut book, So You Want To Be A Dancer, launched as an Amazon #1 New Release in Performing Arts. His second book, Dancing Out of the Closet—a collection of creative nonfiction essays—was called “one of the most delightful and insightful reads in the last few years,” according to CNN contributor Dr. Paul Hokemeyer.
After attending the Orange County School of the Arts, Matthew became a principal dancer with the world-renowned Giordano Dance Chicago. His career includes credits such as Cold Case, Jackass Number Two, The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, Bunheads, Broad City (alongside Adam Levine), and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
Shaffer has collaborated on over 40 projects across Broadway, film, and television, and his choreography has been performed by artists including Ben Stiller, Rachel Platten, Megan Mullally, Armie Hammer, and Rebel Wilson.
For over two decades, Matthew has taught classes and residencies at premier conservatories and conventions across the U.S. and Europe. After earning his MFA in directing and choreography from Wilson College, he continues exploring the intersection of identity, grief, and storytelling in both theatrical and commercial work.
Whether directing large-scale productions like Matilda the Musical or mentoring emerging artists in community spaces, Shaffer fosters creative environments rooted in one belief: emotion is genderless—and we’re all looking to feel seen.
Matthew is currently a teaching artist with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, on tour with Fluid Dance Convention, and serves as the co-founder and Producing Artistic Director of The Collective Troupe in Los Angeles.
You can follow his journey across social media platforms: @funnyshaffer.