SOLO Showcase 2025

“The only requirement is that you bring an IDEA. It can be a prop, a movement, a lesson plan, a speech, a poem, a word, a thought.” Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre Faculty and Cirque du Soleil star Michelle Matlock used this invitation to propel the work you will see in SOLO SHOWCASE.

It takes a lot to put yourself out there—even more so when you are the only one onstage. The performers in this group work for an intense two weeks to develop their idea into a solo performance piece. What does it take to bring your vision to life? To command the stage? How will you bring your audience along?

The performance is a short evening of excerpts from works-in-progress and is one night only! The audience is the critical ingredient at this stage of development. Some themes and content may be inappropriate for younger audiences—we don’t know yet! The work will be developed over the course of the program.

ABOUT MICHELLE MATLOCK

Michelle Nicole Matlock (she/they) is a performing artist, director, teacher, producer and creative coach. Based in Tacoma, Washington, she is currently the director of the Tacoma Light Trail, Playwright and Director for Puget Sound Revels, and an adjunct faculty member at Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater.

Michelle has been a part of the entertainment industry for over 25 years and had the honor of being the first African American Person to create a main character for Cirque du Soleil. She toured the world with Cirque's big top show OVO for close to 10 years. Michelle was awarded an NEA Grant to revive her critically acclaimed solo show The Mammy Project in 2023. Most recent projects include writing and directing Puget Sound Revels’ Midwinter Celebration of Seneca Village (Dec. 2024), and Directing For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When he Rainbow is Enuf at Lakewood Playhouse (May 2025).