"Welcome to Enter Stage Left. I’m your host, Yvette Monique Clark. This is the spot where we kick it about all things theatre — with veterans and newbies alike. From onstage, to backstage, and even under the stage, we’re talking stories, craft, and the passion that keeps the theatre world alive. So whether you're a performer, a crew member, or just a lover of the stage, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.”

Director Matt Lenz joins Yvette Monique Clark for a candid conversation about his journey from actor to director and the experiences that shaped the way he leads a rehearsal room.

From Beauty and the Beast and Aida to Hairspray and years of directing productions around the world, Matt reflects on learning by being in the room, working alongside some of theatre’s leading artists, and discovering that great directing doesn’t mean having every answer.

Matt and Yvette revisit their own Hairspray history, talk about developing young performers, collaborating with seasoned professionals, trusting an actor’s instincts, and Matt’s belief that “the best idea in the room wins.”

They also tackle self-tape auditions, the changing Broadway landscape, and why—even after decades in the business—Matt remains optimistic about the future of live theatre.

Enter Stage Left goes beyond the spotlight to talk with the people who make theatre happen—onstage, backstage, and under the stage.