Matthew Hager is a theatre artist based out of Raleigh, NC and the owner of Aggregate Theatre Company. who acts with local professional companies, teaches voice and acting, writes plays and musicals, and owns Aggregate Theatre Company. 

As an actor, Matthew has acted professionally with local companies such as NC Theatre, NC Symphony, Burning Coal (company member, 2012), Manbites Dog, Deep Dish, Justice Theater Project, Honest Pint, and Aggregate, among others.  He won an Indy Week honor for Best Lead Actor performances in 2012 and was nominated for a New Hampshire Theatre Award for Best Actor in 2015. 

As a writer/composer, Matthew has developed several original plays and musicals for NC Theatre Conservatory, Justice Theater Project, and Aggregate Theatre Company (including currently touring productions of Gazellephant and The Midsummer Experience). 

Matthew has worked as a teaching artist for over 18 years at various regional theatres, as well as local companies such as NC Theatre Conservatory, Justice Theatre Project, Aggregate, and the Alli Mae Carnes Studio. 

Matthew is a graduate of UNC School of the Arts (High School - Drama) and UNC Chapel Hill (Dramatic Arts), and has extensive training in (and love for) Shakespeare (training at Shakespeare & Co. and American Shakespeare Center). 

Vocally, Matthew has trained through private lessons as a kid through the collegiate level.  As an approach to teaching, Matthew values establishing an environment in which students feel safe to try, fail, and grow as they develop skills, recognizing that a positive and affirming dynamic is the best way for students to feel comfortable stepping outside of their comfort zones in expanding their abilities.