Flying in the face of fear with Mathew Green

We are kicking off this year’s CP25 blog with a brand new picker, Mathew Green (he/him). Hailing from the midwest, Green is a director, actor and playwright. In the CP universe, he’s joining us for the first time but you’d think he’s been here all along.

Cherry Picking turns 25 this year - which means it’s due for a quarter-life crisis. What advice would you give to your past or future 25 year old self, or to Cherry Picking right now?

To my own 25 year old self, I'd suggest patience, which is the worst thing a person can tell anyone (especially because I can barely practice it now). Maybe a better piece of advice--one that I could give to my younger self or an up-and-coming theatre group--would be to know what matters most to you and keep it always in mind.

It’s our Silver Anniversary this year – if you had your own metal band what would you call it?

The Charm Offensive

Tell us about the last time you tried something brand new?

About a year ago I used a rowing machine for the first time, and it changed my life. I had no idea I could work so hard and be so sore and travel exactly zero distance.

If Cherry Picking were a cocktail (or mocktail), what would be in it?

I feel completely unqualified to answer this, but I would have to imagine a cherry floating in whatever occurs.

Describe your summer 2025 using only emojis.

✍️🎭📖

What’s keeping you going right now? 

The idea that justice and mercy and love are natural and necessary conditions and will win out in the end. That, and strong coffee.

Don’t miss Mathew’s CP debut! Check out his newest play, One Two One Three on Monday, July 14th at the one and only Wild Project.