Matthew Sergi

Matthew Sergi is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Toronto, where he teaches as Graduate Faculty and Undergraduate Instructor. His research specializes in medieval English drama, performance, and play, with a focus on staging practices, historical manuscripts, and modern reinterpretations of premodern texts. He holds leadership roles as General Director for the York Plays 2025 and hosts the Medieval World Drama Working Group at the Jackman Humanities Institute.

Education:

• BFA, New York University
• PhD, University of California, Berkeley

Research Interests: Sergi investigates the intersection of performance, text, and social ritual in medieval drama. His work spans theatre history, manuscript analysis, and pedagogical approaches to early English literature. Key themes include the Chester Plays' staging cues, festive piety in performance, and inclusive teaching methodologies for historical linguistics.

Publications: His scholarly output emphasizes archival rediscovery, performance reconstruction, and critical reassessment of medieval dramatic traditions. Recurring topics include biblical play staging, regional performance records, and innovative pedagogical frameworks.

Awards:

• Honorable Mention, MRDS Bevington Award (2021) & NYU Callaway Prize (2022) for monograph on Chester Plays
• MRDS Stevens Award (2016) for essay on theatrical marketing
• MRDS Palmer Award (2012) for archival research on festive piety
• Early Career Teaching Award, University of Toronto (2019)

Grants & Leadership: Funded by a 2015 Connaught New Researcher Award, Sergi produces live medieval play performances through PLS (Poculi Ludique Societas). He serves on editorial boards for Medieval English Theatre and Research Opportunities in Medieval and Renaissance Drama, advancing global scholarship in early drama studies.