Matthew Reason

Matthew Reason is a Professor of Theatre and founding Director of the Institute for Social Justice at York St John University. He leads the AHRC-funded 'I’m Me' project, exploring identity and representation in learning disability arts. His research focuses on participatory methodologies, audience experience, and the intersection of performance with social justice issues.

His work spans theatre for children, liveness in performance, and creative approaches to documenting live art. He has published widely on topics including audience research, dance spectatorship, and the ethics of inclusive research practices. Key projects include studies on prison and military audiences, and the role of drawing as a research tool.

Matthew actively engages with communities through collaborative projects, emphasizing co-productive research that fosters societal change. His leadership at the Institute for Social Justice drives interdisciplinary initiatives to advance equity across multiple sectors.