“A community that is rich in the arts is a community that thrives economically, educationally, culturally, and socially.”
With a passion for art and a degree in Theater Production, Rae Matthews arrived in Tahoe four years ago and immediately invested herself in the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival as the Community Engagement Manager. Beyond her work with the festival, Rae also teaches Theater at Lake Tahoe Community College and co-founded the Tahoe Arts Alliance, which was created to connect, promote and advocate for arts and culture in the South Shore.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Rae Matthews!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
Since moving to Tahoe I have worked full time as the Community Engagement Manager for Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. They are a fantastic company to work with. I am responsible for Sponsorship acquisition and cultivation, group sales, housing for the production and artistic company, merchandise design and ordering, seasonal staffing, and local outreach. My BA is in Theater Production, and it’s a thrill and a joy to be a part of such a successful, professional theater right here on the shores of Tahoe.
My love for the arts has also extended into many other endeavors. I am a co-founder and the President of the Board of Directors for the Tahoe Arts Alliance. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to the advancement of the arts on the South Shore. We formed to connect, promote and advocate for arts & culture to create a dynamic arts identity for the education, enrichment and prosperity of Tahoe’s South Shore residents and visitors in California and Nevada. Formed three years ago, we recently brought the Alliance Awards and Tahoe ArtFest to the South Shore, both fantastic events that will only grow. While this is a volunteer position, the work and dedication involved, for both myself and the rest of the Board, makes it a second professional position.
I have also recently joined the adjunct faculty at Lake Tahoe Community College to teach theater. As many know, the theater department was recently downsized, but in an effort to continue to offer theater classes and shows, the college has brought me on part time and is forming a partnership with the local theater company Black Ice Theater Co. I absolutely love giving the students the opportunity to discover the joy of the theater and therein to find the joy of being themselves.
I have directed the following shows in and around South Lake Tahoe: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Joint Chiefs, The Woman in Black, Hangtown (in Placerville), and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, as well as pieces for the Word Wave New Works Festival at Valhalla Tahoe.
I’m also a food writer. It’s the best side gig I’ve ever come up with. It involves so much great food. My husband and I contribute to the Food & Beverage section of Getaway Reno/Tahoe Magazine under the title Elevation Eats. One day I hope to have my own cooking show.
And finally, I also own a T-Shirt company, TahoeScribe.com. Just a fun and creative outlet!
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
Past year? How about past month? It’s always great to see a show on its feet. Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead ran at the Duke Theater until June 16th. The cast killed it. I am so proud of them.
I have to say, though, I am particularly proud of the Alliance Awards and Tahoe ArtFest. Both were fantastically successful first year events that were made possible by the amazing dedication of the Tahoe Arts Alliance Board, and we are looking forward to seeing both events grow.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
A rising tide raises all ships. The arts are not something to be dismissed as a frivolous benefit only to be enjoyed once all other major community problems have been solved. The arts ARE a solution to be implemented to help solve those problems. A community that is rich in the arts is a community that thrives economically, educationally, culturally, and socially.
Who is your role model?
I don’t really have a role model. I’m perfectly happy to just be me. However, there are a great many people that I admire for different reasons. The short and familiar list includes:
Ellen Nunes, for getting along with absolutely everyone
Richard S. Sargent, for his unwavering dedication to the theater
Brianna Biller, for her fearless attitude toward life and work
Dave Hamilton, for working to bring everyone together
Jamie Orr, for always raising the bar
My mother, for never doubting me for a second
And, of course, my husband, Troy Matthews, for his passion, intelligence, humor, support and vision. It is always inspiring.
I try to be more like both of them every single day of my life.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
My husband and I honeymooned here in the summer of 2014 and we stayed.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
In addition to the Tahoe Arts Alliance, I have also served on the Board of Valhalla Tahoe, I am a founder of Will’s Kids for the Arts, and I am a founding Board Member of Black Ice Theatre Co.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Start new organizations? If I’m not working, I tend to be coming up with something to work on. But as far as past times go, I enjoy reading, writing, painting, cooking, dinner with friends, gardening, kayaking, camping, hiking and spending the rare lazy day with my wonderful husband and our zoo of pets.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds
All the good restaurants (and there are more popping up every day!) including The Lake House, Chimayo, Coldwater Grill, Azul’s, Scuza, Idle Hour, Aleworx, etc. etc.
Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.