J. Matthew Gordon (he/him/his) - Artistic Director, Co-founder
J. Matthew has worked extensively in theatre and film as an actor, director, producer, and theatre educator for over twenty years. He studied directing at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre where he also attended workshops with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and received his M.F.A. in Acting from the Professional Theatre Training Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
His work as an actor and director has been seen at regional theatres across the United States, and his film and television work has spanned the globe.
In the Monterey area, he has worked for Pacific Repertory Theatre, The Western Stage, and the former MPC Theatre Company.
As an educator, J. Matthew has been a guest artist at several college and university theatre programs, most recently completing a term as a full-time visiting lecturer at The University of Texas at Austin, where he taught acting and Shakespeare in the Department of Theatre and Dance’s B.F.A. actor training program.
He is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Actor’s Equity Association, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of Live Arts Santa Fe (New Mexico).
J. Matthew holds a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the arts, and founded New Canon Theatre to be an engine of social/artistic good in the American Theatre. He believes in New Canon’s mission as a community-oriented professional theatre, dedicated to re-conceiving traditional notions of theatrical performance and education.
When he’s not working, he is an avid painter, as well as a hiker, backpacker, and rock climber. He splits his time between Monterey, CA and Santa Fe, NM with his family.
Justine Stock (she/her/ella) - Managing Director, Co-founder
A Miami, Florida native with Argentine roots, Justine has been a resident of Monterey County for over 13 years. She is an actress, film & theater producer, writer, adventurer, mother and devoted arts advocate.
Acting since she was 8 years old in the Miami theater scene, Justine was then accepted into the prestigious High School, New World School of Arts. Taking the flying leap to New York City, she attended the SUNY Purchase College Theatre Conservatory graduating
Cum Laude.
She has performed on stage at Purchase College On the Road, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Friars Theatre Club, First Day, 45th Street Theatre Group, Pacific Repertory Theatre, and more.
Her film and television work includes producing & staring in the feature film “Brooklyn Bound,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, acting along side TV stars David Zayes (“Bloodline”;“Dexter”) & Dean Winters (“30 Rock”;HBO’s “Oz”). Most recently, Justine produced White Face, premiering at the Ashland Film Festival and winning multiple awards across the country.
Locally, Justine curated & programmed three seasons of the shorts festival for the Carmel Jewish Film Festival.
Justine is also a passionate acting teacher at the middle & high school level. She is thrilled to have helped conceive New Canon Theatre and support its mission of high quality, diverse, equitable, and passionate theatre.
Noah Lucé (he/they) - Associate Artistic Director
Born in Santa Cruz, California and raised all around the Bay Area, Noah’s love of theatre was fostered by his grandmother’s fondness for classic cinema. After his first performative experience as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (at just five years old) he became “hooked” on telling stories.
Noah’s passion for theatre led him through a wonderful academic journey starting at the Art Quest Program at Santa Rosa High School. From there he studied at Santa Rosa Junior College, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (Actor Training), Cornish College of the Arts (BFA), The University of California; Santa Cruz (MA), and the University of Idaho (MFA).
He has worked as an actor, director, intimacy choreographer, fight choreographer, and teaching artist throughout the United States. On the Central Coast he has worked at Santa Cruz Shakespeare, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Jewel Theatre Company, and The Western Stage. In addition to his artistic work, he also serves as a Lecturer in Drama in the Performance, Play, and Design department at University of California, Santa Cruz and is an Assistant Professor at Lake Superior State University in Michigan.
As multi-hyphenate theatre artist Noah’s work is deeply rooted in finding ways to find kindness and consent through theatre making. He is deeply excited to be working with New Canon Theatre Company because he believes in its mission to help foster new growth within the area.
When he’s not working on a theatrical project or teaching, Noah finds joy in photography, spending time with his family (including his wild brood of dogs) and of course watching classic films.
Our Board
Officers
President: Alcide “Three” Guillory III
Secretary/Treasurer: Christopher McElwain
Members
Julia Keller