A skilled writer, Matthew's first job after graduating from college at age 21 was writing the monthly newsletter for The Dallas Buyer's Club, working alongside eccentric founder Ron Woodroof.
Relocating to New York City, Earnest spent a season as assistant director to Lee Breuer at Mabou Mines.
Since 1999, he has been an associate artist at Germany’s English Theatre Berlin [1] where he was the company's first Director in Residence, directing the European premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks' Venus.
2019: Spring Awakening (musical) by Duncan Sheik & Steven Sater, Argyle Theatre, Babylon Village, NY.
The Warehouse Theatre, Greenville, SC 2005: The Josephine footnote, written and directed by Matthew Earnest, score by Joseph Troski, choreography by Tina Fehlandt.
deep ellum ensemble at Daniel Arts Center, Great Barrington, Massachusetts (The Berkshire Fringe) and Hartshorn Theatre, University of Delaware (2006) 2003: Doctor Tedrow's Last Breath by Matthew Earnest, score by Joseph Troski, choreography by Tina Fehlandt.
[5] deep ellum ensemble at Trinity River Arts Center, Dallas, Texas and The Ice Factory, Ohio Theater, NYC (2005) 2002: Ch’ien-nü leaves her body.
deep ellum ensemble at The DStv Performing Arts Festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2000: Venus by Suzan-Lori Parks.
deep ellum ensemble at The Ohio Theater, NYC; and Brecht Centennial/NY Internat’l Fringe Festival [6] (1998) 1998: Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti, with Kelly Clarkson, Arlington Opera Association.
1997: The Jilting of Granny Weatherall, adapted and directed by Matthew Earnest (premiere) from the story by Katherine Anne Porter.