Matthew Quinn (Artistic Producer - Combined Artform / Executive Producer - Theater Asylum)
has been involved in theater production and venue management for over 20 years in San Francisco and Los Angeles. He created Combined Artform, as a production company in 1998 with Producer Bertha Rodriguez and has produced, co-produced, presented, booked and promoted hundreds of shows. He has been an active player as an advisor, venue manager with the Hollywood Fringe Festival since its onset in 2010, He has been involved with 13 shows in the Hollywood Fringe including Top of the Fringe and Best Comedy “WOMEN” (w/Beth Dies) and “Pick of the Fringe” (w/Fringe Management). Also, in 2010, Matthew started the Hollywood Encore Producers’ Award, for “best of” Hollywood Fringe and in 2016 BEYOND ENCORES. From the ENCORES, he has co-produced extensions of Pulp Shakespeare, Pokemusical and Sunny Afternoon. In 2016, he and Bertha Rodriguez partnered with Studio C Artists to explore stage to film/TV models. Starting in 2018 Matthew Quinn has become a West Coast scout and booking agent for the International Fringe Encore Series (NYC) and the Soho Playhouse. In 2019 he produced "Latina Christmas Special" at the SoHo Playhouse and expanded into the UK and Japan. In 2021, he worked on several streaming productions, touring digital fringes and created the YouTube show "What's Next?". In 2022 he began the talent management company Asylum Arts Management and in 2023 he started the Hollywood Independent Hit Festival.
Bertha Rodriguez (Publicity Manager / Producer / Operations Manager) has been involved in theater production since 1998 starting in San Francisco and then in Los Angeles. She and Matthew Quinn created Combined Artform Entertainment in 1998 and later changed the name to Combined Artform, a theater production company. Together they have produced original works as well as adaptations. Bertha has worn many hats throughout the years from producer, writer, costumer, to publicist. In addition to producing theater and doing publicity, Bertha brings to the table extensive knowledge as a researcher, Intellectual Property Paralegal, Intellectual Property Investigator, and Script Clearance. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and a Paralegal Certificate. Her non-theater experience has been very instrumental with the services she provides as a Producer as well as a Public Relations Manager.
Some of the theater projects that Bertha has been a producer on are “Revocable Trust,” “Campfire Stories,” and “Letters from Young Gay Men,” directed by John Coppola; Yes, Virginia,” directed by Stan Zimmerman; and Tolstoy in Suffolk directed by Robert Ackerman. Tolstoy In Suffolk was picked by Huffington Post as one of the Los Angeles 2017 Top Ten Theater Productions.
Bertha has been an active player alongside Matthew Quinn as a coordinator with the Asylum venues in the Hollywood Fringe Festival since its onset in 2010. In 2015, she extended her publicity services to non-Asylum renters or productions.
Some of the theater projects that Bertha has been a producer on are “Revocable Trust,” “Campfire Stories,” and “Letters from Young Gay Men,” directed by John Coppola; Yes, Virginia,” directed by Stan Zimmerman; and Tolstoy in Suffolk directed by Robert Ackerman. Tolstoy In Suffolk was picked by Huffington Post as one of the Los Angeles 2017 Top Ten Theater Productions.
Bertha has been an active player alongside Matthew Quinn as a coordinator with the Asylum venues in the Hollywood Fringe Festival since its onset in 2010. In 2015, she extended her publicity services to non-Asylum renters or productions.
TESTIMONIALS
“I know Matthew from my role as a theatre producer on productions in the Hollywood Fringe, including some as Matthew's producing partner, and in connection with other productions in Los Angeles. Matthew is a fantastic theatre and festival manager and producer. He is professional, innovative, passionate about live theatre and just an all around joy to work with. Cannot recommend him highly enough.”
Mike Blaha
Producer - Fringe Management
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“Matt Quinn is a competent and wise producer. His contributions were critical in the formation of the Hollywood Fringe and he continues to be an invaluable member to this day. I'd heartily endorse Matt for any future employment.”
- Ben Hill (Founder - Hollywood Fringe Festival)
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“The Joseph Papp of SF Theatre”
- Rob Melrose (Artistic Director - The Alley Theater)
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"...tenacious"
-W. Kamau Bell (American stand-up comic and television host)
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“I was a first time producer of anything at all so having someone give me a tried and true outline of what to do not only made a huge difference in the turnout of my show, but also in the confidence I had as a producer. After the fact, my show now having won 5 awards and an encore at the fringe, I can’t imagine how I could’ve done it without the Asylum group leading the way. A million and one thanks! I will never forget the Asylum family and what their support has meant to my show and to increasing my support circle and friendships.”
-Makena Hammond- “Black Woman in Deep Water” @ Actors Company
Winner of 2022 Hollywood Fringe Top of Fringe & Best of Solo Show
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“As a first-time Fringe producer in 2021, Theatre Asylum's workshops and resources were crucial to our success. Matt and Bertha were so welcoming, knowledgeable and amazingly supportive throughout the entire process. We couldn't have won the Community Freak Award for Best Cabaret and Variety Show without them!”
~Jon Peterson, 'Funny Bonz, the Humerus Solution'.
Winner of Hollywood Fringe Best Cabaret & Variety Show
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The Asylum group is such a great opportunity to get to know how the Hollywood Fringe operates! They won't do the work for you, but they set you up with everything you need to succeed. We were lucky to have chosen an Asylum venue and become part of the family. As a first time Fringer, I felt more confident about the whole experience and met so many people who I hope to see again at next year's Fringe. Matt and Bertha are dedicated theater artists and truly care about making sure your show will succeed. But again, if you are expecting the Asylum group to do the hard work for you, you may not reap all the benefits they have to offer. Working with Asylum was the best decision our production made!
-Nicole O'Hara - "Gummy Worm"
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“For the wild ride that HFF21 would prove to be, we were so fortunate to find ourselves under the organizational umbrella of Matthew Quinn’s Theatre Asylum. Matthew, and his team at Combined Artform, found a way to pivot with every new protocol and challenge that came their way and turn a festival many participants feared they would like to forget and make it one of the most memorable they will ever experience.”
-Thomas McAteer (Writer, Actor & Producer) “The Easter Bunny” - Toronto - Canada
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“I was lucky enough to work with Asylum during Fringe 2021, and let me tell you - "Asylum" is the exact right word. Matthew Quinn and the Asylum team provide a real safe haven for artists, especially through the pandemic. Matthew is a Fringe veteran (nobody knows Fringe and LA theater like Matthew does); he is informed, professional, caring, and supportive. He and Bertha put their time, resources, and energy into the artists they work with, provide them with press opportunities, and coach them on everything from creative process to promotion. Working with Asylum taught me how to confidently produce my own work, and how to take Fringe by storm!”
molly Kirschenbaum - HOT!:(
Nominated HFF Best World Premiere & Two Person Show“
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Stan Zimmerman,
Writer/Director/Producer
“I feel so fortunate to have worked with Matt Quinn/Combined Artform on over four productions. And counting… Matt not only brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience of the LA (and SF) theatre scenes, but a generosity of spirit, a real “can do” attitude and sense of joy for the work.”
Terri Weiss
Writer - Monkey Mind
"When Johnny Coppola agreed to be my director for my 2019 Fringe show, Monkey MInd, After we’d talked for awhile, he realized I really didn’t have a clue to what I was doing. He said, “You really need a producer, honey.” I knew he was right but scared to death at what it might cost me. I asked him who he’d recommend and he said Matthew Quinn. I called Matt and after we’d talked he said he’d co-produce with me, making sure I didn’t get screwed on money or deals and he’d HELP me through the project. Well I have to laugh, he really didn’t help me, he DID EVERYTHING FOR ME. I never, ever could have done it without him and because of his expertise, my show turned out better than my high expectations. He walked me through EVERYTHING. If you’re new to the business and want someone to hold your hand and guide you through what could be a really scary project, call him up. HE’S THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"During the summer and fall of 2018 I worked with Matthew Quinn, who served as a producer, on my first full-length play Revocable Trust. It was an absolutely positive experience. At every step of the way, Matthew was helpful, insightful, and thorough. Producing a play is hard work, but in this case it was really much more play than work, and I would not hesitate to collaborate with Matthew on future projects. He is a pro, and he knows how to work with playwrights, actors, directors as well as other crew, and address all their needs. Whether it came to finding props, printing postcards and posters, or offering thoughts on artistic aspects of our play, he was always helpful and fully engaged. Along with Bertha Rodriguez, Matthew is a valuable person to have at your side as you get your work onto the stage and publicity into the community. Bravo! "
Alex Frankel
Writer - Revocable Trust
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"I put up my musical. “Let’s Write a Musical”, at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2019. Matt Quinn was my Producer.
Matt was extraordinary. He found me a Director. He helped me come up with a budget. He introduced me to fellow “fringers”, including key people who I could invite to see our show. Although he was also in charge of the Festival, I always felt like a priority. Since this was my first Fringe Festival, I had a million questions. Matt took my every call and patiently addressed all my concerns. He helped me to create and order my business cards, postcards and posters.
Basically he held my hand and never let go. I had an incredibly wonderful experience participating in the Festival, in large part, thanks to Matt’s guidance and support. "
Lawrie Chiaro Smylie
Writer - Let's Write A Musical
PODCAST
Tea Time With Lindz: A Podcast about Creatives: Tea Time with Lindz: Matthew Quinn on Apple Podcasts
ONLINE ARTICLES
Beyond The Hollywood Fringe
BITTER LEMONS INTERVIEWS PRODUCER MATTHEW QUINN ON THEATRE ASYLUM,
THE HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL AND HOLLYWOOD THEATRE ROW
A Trio on the Fringe: Crafts, Quinn and Guberek
Hollywood Fringe Festival will showcase nearly 300 shows,
boast largest celebration of performing arts
Hollywood Fringe Festival, a theater party with room to grow
Summer Approaches: Fringe, Smoot, Caesar, Work, Tony
