Matt Cooksey

Matt Cooksey is a stage director and arts administrator based in Tallahassee, FL, whose work spans from main stage productions, works for young audiences, and artist-aware administrative leadership. As a former singer, Cooksey’s directing style prioritizes staging that enhances vocal beauty, faithful storytelling, and memorable stage pictures. Former credits include productions with Florida Grand Opera, Aspen Opera Theater, Indianapolis Opera, Opera NEO, the Jacobs School of Music (Indiana University Bloomington), the Frost School of Music (University of Miami), and Florida State University. Some of his most notable work includes La bohème (2024, FGO), Brundibár/Vedem (2022, IO), and Il barbiere di Siviglia (2023, FGO) which was named the second best classical performance of the year by South Florida Classical Review. He has also assisted notable directors including Paula Suozzi, James Marvel, A. Scott Parry, and others.

“Cooksey’s staging was endlessly eye catching and inventive without veering into exaggeration. In the usually inert Act II storm scene, he had Bartolo, Rosina, Berta and Ambrogio fighting the fierce wind that blew open the door to charming and witty effect. If your spirits need a lift — and even if they don’t — go see this Barber, comic opera at its best.”

Lawrence Budmen, South Florida Classical Review on Il barbiere di Siviglia (2024)
"La dirección escénica de Matt Cooksey mantiene la frescura de principio a fin[.]"

Roberto San Juan, Pro Ópera on Il barbiere di Siviglia (2023)
"Se trata de una producción clásica, fiel al libreto y muy atractiva visualmente."

Roberto San Juan, Pro Ópera on La bohème (2024)
"For the entirety of the piece the characters were committed and all brought a sense of unity and realness to each scene. [...] All the moving parts created a truly memorable opera experience."

Afton Markay, Operawire on La bohème (2024)

In addition to his work on the main stage, Cooksey has directed eight operas for young audiences, including several that he personally wrote or arranged. Notable titles include The Three Sillies (IO, 2019), The Tails of Cats and Mice (IO, 2020), and Beatrice & Benedict (FSU, 2017).

Cooksey’s administrative career has been informed not only by his training as a singer, but also as a director, giving him the vocabulary and experience to diagnose musical and production issues as they arise. Cooksey is currently in his second year as the Opera Program Manager for Florida State University, where he earned two Master’s degrees. His responsibilities include the administrative organization of the opera area: scheduling, contracting, and general logistics. His work supports three annual main stage opera productions, two annual outreach tours, as well as opera workshop and literature courses instructed by James Marvel and Bernard McDonald, respectively. The program’s alumni include Ryan Speedo Green, Corinne Hayes, Grant Preisser, and many others.

Prior to his time in Tallahassee, Cooksey served as the Director of Artistic Operations for Florida Grand Opera. He initially joined FGO in 2021 as Artist Services Manager, later serving as Studio Artist Program Manager, and ultimately Director of Artistic Operations under General Director Susan Danis and later Maria Todaro. During his time at FGO, he interacted with four seasons of programming, cast two seasons, and directed three main stage productions in addition to numerous Studio Artist concerts. Several Studio Artists selected during this period have since appeared at prestigious companies including Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera, Glimmerglass, Sarasota Opera, and others. In 2024, Cooksey was recognized as one of Brickell Magazine’s “Top 20 Under 40” professionals. He also served as Indianapolis Opera’s Resident Assistant Director from 2018-20 and continues to work with the company in a reserve capacity.

Matt trained as an operatic baritone at Indiana University with Paul Kiesgen and Dr. Robert Harrison and at Florida State University by Dr. Wanda Brister before shifting his focus to directing and administration in 2018. He sang many roles at FSU and various US festivals and even made a concert appearance with the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus in 2018. He also appears on the album “Madeleine Dring: The Lady Composer,” dedicated to to the composer’s West End songs. For more detailed information about Matt’s past endeavors as a singer, please click here.

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