References

Here's a look at what people thought of Matt's performance.

You can also take a look at what reviewers thought of his acting performances.

Teachers & Administrators

"Dear Matt, It is not often that I am inspired to write a letter because of an assembly I attended. However, today was an exception. I am writing this letter to thank you because the assembly was 'beyond excellent.' I was very impressed with your message and with your method of delivering the message. You had the students eating out of your hand, which is quite an accomplishment! ...Again, thank you for the excellent, funny, serious, and inspiring time this morning! Best wishes in your efforts to assist youth in Canada and around the world."
Neil H. Shank, Student Services, Bradford
"Just a short note to thank you for your presentation. Even after the holidays the students were still talking about it. In fact, during the holidays with guests at my home whose kids attend SJSH comments were made regarding the positive impact you made. Again, thank you."
Mr. M. Stack, Principal, Saint Joseph's of Schollard Hall, North Bay
"It was our pleasure having you to All Saints. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from the students and teachers...they truly enjoyed your presentation. I have one lady who would like you to speak at her son's school. Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedule. We will definitely have you speak again. Take care."
Teacher Michelle Grisdale All Saints H.S. Whitby
"Your ability to capture the students' attention was evident in the rapt look on their faces. I received many thanks and accolades from the students, staff, and administration of the school for such an effective presentation. I will be forwarding a memo to recommend your presentation to other staff members in our board."
Ms. Stewart, Teacher, Iona Cath. SS, Mississauga
"I never saw the students so interested and quiet during an assembly! We also recceived personal congratulations from the principal and vice principal of the school. ...From the students: 'Awesome,' 'Great,' 'He made me think,' 'I'm really glad I stayed for the assembly.'"
Ms. Van Niekerk, Teacher, Glencoe D.H.S.
"...I would highly recommend Matt to anyone looking for a dynamic, energetic and direct speaker. He presents his ideas in a way that makes sense to students. I would recommend him as a speaker...."
L. Miller: Teacher & Megan Leslie: Student, Ingersoll DCI
"...He was awesome!... Best assembly we've had in a long time..."
Trudy Hawthorne, Teacher Haliburton Highlands SS
"You are among the best!"
L. Dubois, Teacher & Organiser, Positive Lifestyles Conference Rosetown, Saskatchewan
"...when the lunch bell goes and nobody moves, you know it's good..."
Ray Malette, Teacher Kirkland Lake CV&I
"Each and every student we approached thoroughly enjoyed the assembly ... comments such as "funny", "hilarious" to "amazing"."
Student Executive, Sir Winston Churchill SS St. Catharines, Ontario
"My thank you for a job well done! The feedback from our administrators, teachers, students and parents has been very positive. They all appreciated your humor, enthusiasm, down-to-earth style, and useful messages that were given to the students on drinking and driving."
Darryl Johnson, Assistant Superintendent, Student Services, The St. James-Assiniboia School, Winnipeg, Manitoba
"I wanted to let you know that I thought the presentation was very relevant. (Matt) was wonderful - entertaining, humourous and non-judgemental, and yet he made a strong point. My grade eleven advanced class really enjoyed it and they were open to receiving our stale message delivered in such a refreshing way."
Melita Aquilina, Head of English Department Bishop P.F. Reding Secondary School, Milton, Ontario
"The performance initiated discussions in several classes. I have heard from parents that their children discussed you at home. That alone, speaks volumes!"
Mary Tromp, Teacher Fellows High School
"Matt Evans, who did an excellent job of entertaining the audience of students and staff, while at the same time informing them on important issues such as drinking and driving."
Michipicoten SS, Wawa

Newspapers

"Evans did what so many other speakers aren't able to do at a High School Assembly: catch the students attention!"
Hamilton Spectator
"His satirical look at teen drinking and driving drove home the message that it's up to friends to watch out for each other when someone who's been drinking wants to take the wheel."
Scott Dunn, Sun Times
"Evans used humour to drive home the sober message that drinking and driving is a deadly combination."
A. Langley, The (Niagara Falls) Review
"Evans delivered his serious message... but around that nugget of wisdom was a schtick straight from Yuk Yuks."
S. Clairmont, The Hamilton Spectator
"He had the high school audience won over in minutes!"
The Owen Sound Sun Times
"Evans has found the best way to relate to students."
Cambridge Times
"Evans' technique works. With a combination of slapstick humour and serious facts, he had the attention of the school gymnasium, full of students, focused on him for one hour!"
Chris Chase, North Dundas Press
"The message is difficult, but a new approach—instead of preaching, use comedy! The teacher said the message had clearly got through."
Bill Mantas: The New VR

Students

"Everyone loved the presentation, both students and staff. I wish to thank you again for your wonderful performance. Kids in the halls were talking about it for weeks afterwards. I was thanked by many for having you as a guest speaker. It brought about a whole new awareness in our school just in time for prom and grad that will take place next week. Thanks,"
Allison Smart, Student (Char-Lan D.H.S)
"The show at our school was well received by the students and your message was very appropriate, especially given the time of the year. We asked, and the students definitely heard what you had to say. Immediately following the assembly, the buzz in the halls was your presentation. Some of the descriptives included the obvious; funny, very amusing, and clever delivery of the message. Thank you for such an entertaining and effective assembly."
Katie Angle, Co-President, Student Council Westlane Secondary School, Niagara Falls, Ontario
"Your presentation is still with the students here! Everyone is still talking about you. Your style of presenting was excellent. Thanks again."
Jennifer Watson, North Dundas DHS
"Matt Evans is an exceptional speaker! Not only was he enthusiastic, but was able to spread his enthusiasm throughout our student body."
Peer Leaders, Dr. Denison SS, New Market
"I walked out of the theatre knowing I had a responsibility to my friends... I believe this presentation was the best I have seen in a long time."
Sara Willscroft, Student: Westwood C.I.
"Even now, two weeks later the students talk about your performance and how much fun it was."
Edward Holly, Student Organizer: Elmale C.I.
"You are a definite asset to the comedy world"
Student Event Organizers: Agincourt C.I.
"Wonderfully Entertaining!"
SCITS Committee: Sarnia H.S.
"Hi I'm from rainy river high school and I just wanted to say that I loved your presentation it was hilarious I also got the message that u were trying to say. I wasn't even planning on drinking but it helped me see the danger in it. Thanks!"
N. Burner RR HS

Field Workers

"You have an incredible ability to inspire others and make a difference. I hope you never stop speaking for and working with youth, because it is hard to find a speaker who is as gifted and cares as much as you do."
Rachel Gagnier, OSAID Provincial Spokesperson. Windsor
"... YOU WERE SENSATIONAL!!! All the letters I read about you didn't do you justice. Although the letters were very commending and stated how good your presentations were, one always has to see to believe. Once again, you were outstanding. You should know that moment after you ended, the office began receiving people wanting to 'sign up' and get involved. ... Matt, you were great, and I hope that we can hire you again soon, as your impact on the students is second to none."
Constable David Ingrassia Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Police Service
"Your use of humour created instant rapport and credibility with the students. This as opposed to the use of 'scare tactics', allowed them to reflect upon the serious topic of impaired driving with a more open mind. I have attended many assemblies... and have never seen the audience so intent upon listening. You certainly succeeded in generating interest in O.S.A.I.D., judging by the number of student inquiries following the assembly."
Carol Fedoryshyn, R.N., B.Sc.N., B.A.Sc., Hamilton-Wentworth Regional Public Health Dept.

Acting Reviews

"Evans plays the local-idiot-savant, fry cook and resident mechanic (Black Swan). Imagine an amalgamation of Dustin Hoffman's RAINMAN and Brad Pitt in the movie Kalifornia and you will get a clear picture of Evans character"
(Black Swan, feature film) The Enterprise Bulletin
"It is the performance of Matt (John) Evans, however, who plays Owen Melville, that makes this production special. Comic Scenes require split-second timing. Evans has it. He also knows how to vary his pace and intensity. He turns what could be the mundane into a magnetism that keeps us relating to him."
The Examnier
"Owen Melville, a scared, confused and irresponsible young man, is not difficult for the audience to understand or recognize, but Evans uses body movements to make us feel his turmoil, and a variety of facial expressions to turn what could be mundane into a magnetism that keeps us relating to him."
Jane Bow, Special to the Examiner
"Matt John Evans, who plays Edgar, displays beautiful control, keeping Edgar on the edge throughout the whole play."