Each day, we’ll be introducing you to members of the Riverside Theatre in Park professional and apprentice company…

Today meet Matthew Jones and Thedore Swetz.

Matthew Jones

Assistant Director

Matthew Jones served as dramaturg for last summer’s Riverside Theatre production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He has appeared as an actor in Twelfth Night and Spike Heels at Cornell College. He is currently studying for a BA in English at Cornell College.

“Entertaining yet thoughtful works of art in the great outdoors--what could be better?”

Hometown: Rapid City, SD

Fun Fact about Matthew: When not in school or doing theatre, I work at a Harley Davidson dealership.

Hobbies: amateur filmmaking, reading Ernest Hemingway, watching infomercials

Theodore Swetz

Director, As You Like It and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice

Theodore Swetz started his career with the NY Shakespeare Festival and was an original member of the Tony  nominated, American Players Theatre where he acted, directed, taught, and served as associate artistic director for a decade. Ted carries on the tradition of his beloved acting teacher’s Stella Adler, Morris Carnovsky and Phoebe Brand and currently serves as head of acting at the University of Missouri-KC, MFA program. Past credits at Riverside include directing Love’s Labour’s Lost and Ah, Wilderness!

“These two shows dynamically capture the essence of Shakespeare – One filled with Love and Forgiveness the other filled with Hate and Greed – come enjoy it all.”

Home base or Hometown: Born in Yonkers, New York now resides in Kansas City, MO.

Fun fact about Theodore: I'm a "West Wing" freak and want to spend most of my retirement in Paris, France.

Hobbies: I am a devoted golfer who is struggling to reach his potential. Currently my handicap is 7.5

Don’t miss The Merchant of Venice tonight at 7 p.m. at the Festival Stage in Iowa City’s Lower City Park. Green Show starts at 6 p.m. For tickets call 319-338-7672 or purchase at the Festival Stage Box Office before the show.