Words From the Wings: Matthew August Jeffers of AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Matthew August Jeffers, who is currently appearing in An Enemy of the People. Matthew told us all about his pre-show rituals, favorite moments, and more!

Check out his answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

The first thing I do upon arriving at Circle in the Square is go to the stage management office and heat up a cup of tea. 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

The last thing I do before going on stage is firing off three air punches. Glad I am not a boxer because my form leaves little to be desired.

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

I don’t know if I have a must-have, but I’ve been nibbling through a dark chocolate bar that Sam Gold gave me on opening night. That, and Go Macro bars.

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Undoubtedly my “basketball routine”. Since my first show in NYC back in 2014, I spend about 10-15 mins pre-show in a simulated basketball game. From warmup free-throws, to layups, to full in-game action, I create a basketball arena on stage. I was a jock as a kid, but never made it on to any of the organized basketball teams. Throughout my career, either on stage, or on set, I’ve made it a point to bring basketball into my work. It reminds me that getting what you want is not an easy venture. It also finesses my “make-believe” skills before entering a “make-believe” world with real stakes. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

Photos of my parents and closest friends, A handwritten transcript of Andre De Shields’ Tony acceptance speech, a Cal Ripken Jr. bobblehead, throat lozenges, a stool.

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

Jeremy Strong's “We just have to imagine” moment to Petra at the very end of the show. 

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

At the end of the show, I go around handshaking my cast-mates. It has quickly become a sacred ritual of mine, a nod that we have gone out and successfully shared a very important, urgent story with 800 strangers who have now become our friends.

About Matthew August Jeffers

Theater credits include Richard III (Shakespeare in the Park), Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow Moscow (MCC), Thunderbodies (Soho Rep), and Light Shining in Buckinghamshire (NYTW). Television/ Film credits include Unidentified Objects(Best Leading Actor, Outfest 2022), “New Amsterdam,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “FBI,” and “The Blacklist.” Upcoming projects include “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” (TV) and Conduit (Short Film). Jeffers graduated with an acting degree from Towson University, is a proud Baltimore native, and is making his Broadway debut.