“Know how to do everything,” states URI alum Matt Hobin, a former Acting and Directing major who has gone on to a very successful career.

After graduating URI in 2003, Hobin was still on the go and career hungry. Over the years he has directed/produced over 100 hours of reality, docu-series and competition television shows. He has also produced a number of commercials, comedy shorts, webisodes, and low budget feature films. Currently Hobin is a freelance Executive Producer and he also runs his own production company called OU812 Productions.

Hobin’s secret is very simple: “Allow yourself to be challenged and put to the test.”

Hobin came into the theatre program wanting to be an actor but was challenged to be a jack of all trades through the program. He found his passion for direction, writing, and for production management through URI Theatre while also learning valuable skills in the various technical fields. He then applied those skills to the television industry when he was on his way up and made sure to learn how to do everyone’s job. Hobin explains his thoughts. “By knowing what to expect of others, I can do my job better and therefore, produce a higher quality product on budget and on schedule.”

When asked about one of Hobin’s favorite memories at URI Theatre, he was eager to talk about the first year they did the student written One-Act play festival. Hobin explained how in the past, he was always the “slacker goofball” type until he was pushed to step up and produce something. Along with two other students, Hobin put on a festival of plays that he wrote, cast, directed, set designed, sound designed, etc. He described them as vulgar and funny but what made them special was that they were 100% theirs and it was a wonderful experience. Hobin expressed his gratitude.

“I will always be thankful to Alan Hawkridge for inspiring me to take charge of something.”

Reflecting back on his Theatre career at URI, Hobin shared some of his most defining and memorable events and opportunities. He highlighted his student directed projects from the One-Act festival to the two full-length student projects he did. Another defining opportunity that he shared was when he assistant directed Paula McGlasson’s, Theatre Department Chair, production of Beauty and the Beast.