David Matheson - Studio Lead
David Matheson, the founder of Odyssey Studio, is a highly experienced acting teacher with over three decades in the arts. His students have appeared in films, television shows, and on renowned stages across North America and beyond.
Matheson’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre (Directing) from York University. He has since taught at York University’s Theatre Program, Seneca College, and Toronto Film School. Currently, David serves as a full-time faculty member at Sheridan College, where he teaches in the joint program with the University of Toronto. He has taught acting in this program for the past 15 years, with specialties in Shakespeare, Camera, Chekhov, and Devised Theatre. He has also directed 12 productions for Theatre Erindale, including “Clybourne Park,” “Hamlet,” “The Hobbit,” “Metamorphosis,” and “She Kills Monsters.” Additionally, David teaches acting, camera, and Shakespeare in the Sheridan College Musical Theatre program.
Matheson studied under David Rotenberg at York University. His teaching methodology incorporates Rotenberg’s techniques as outlined in “ACT” as well as David’s own “Elements of Acting.” Matheson founded Odyssey Studio in 2009 with long time artistic partner Melee Hutton.
As an accomplished actor, David has performed at renowned Canadian theatres such as Neptune Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre New Brunswick, and the Atlantic Theatre Festival, among others. Matheson became a member of Canadian Actors Equity in 1993 and is a passionate advocate for the rights of artists.
David’s extensive media biography encompasses a diverse range of productions, including YouTube actual plays for the Necronerdicon, webseries, and notable film and television roles such as Mr. Muldoon in “The Dirties.”
As Artistic Director of Toronto’s Wordsmyth Theatre, David has garnered seven Dora Nominations for his exceptional directorial contributions. His notable productions include “The Seagull” and “Brothers Karamazov.” Furthermore, he spearheaded the establishment of East Coast Company “Exodus Theatre,” where he served as its founding artistic director. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of seven award-winning plays, including the acclaimed “Julius Caesar” and “Duchess of Malfi.”
David’s extensive directorial portfolio, spanning over 35 productions, encompasses both fringe successes and classical works, new plays, and devised creations. Notably, he directed the inaugural production of Rachel Blair’s “A Man Walks into a Bar” in 2016. This play garnered international recognition through subsequent productions and was published by the Playwrights Guild of Canada. Presently, he is collaborating with Intrusive Thoughts Theatre on their inaugural production, scheduled for November 2026.
