Matthew Leavitt is an award-winning playwright, director, librettist, and co-artistic director of The 6th Act. His most recent play, “The $5 Shakespeare Company”, was recognized as an LA Times Critics’ Choice. His award-winning play “The Boomerang Effect” is published by Concord Theatricals and has enjoyed productions throughout the US and UK. He has been commissioned by LA Opera twice to write the librettos for two new operas, “Orpheus” and “The Wreck of the Miranda” (both collaborations with award-winning classical and film composer Nathan Wang). Directing credits include “Hamlet” (winner of ‘Best Director of a Play’ Stage Scene LA Award), “Legally Brunette” (World Premiere – The Garry Marshall Theatre in LA, 54 Below in NYC), “The Scorpion and the Frog: a time killer” (World Premiere – Hollywood Fringe Festival), “Double Play” (World Premiere – Stephanie Feury Theatre), “Barfly Shakespeare” (The 6th Act), “Twelfth Night” (Village Green Productions), “The Taming of the Shrew” (Village Green Productions), “Arrival” (Sci-Fest LA), “Human History” (Sci-Fest LA), “Ladies of State” (Working Stage), “Goes The Weasel” (Ammunition Theatre Company), as well as assistant director/dramaturg for “Romeo and Juliet” at A Noise Within.