Matteh Foundation

MEET THE FOUNDER

Troy R. Poplous is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Loyola University where he pursued a degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance. He also studied theatre arts and dance. This experience also motivated Troy to work with some of the greatest actors, directors, composers and musicians in the business. Watching his mentors and friends direct and stage the world’s greatest operas and theatrical productions is a highlight in life for him.  He also had the privilege of working with world-renown composers, opera singers and directors such as Patricia Sallier Seals, Tim K. Baker, Dorothy Danner, Moses G. Hogan, Andrea Frye, Debria Brown, Taylor Hackford and more.   He is a member of the New Orleans Opera Association, American Guild of Musical Artist, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc and many more organizations.

 Currently he is teaching Theatre Arts and Fine Arts Survey at McDonogh 35 College Preparatory School and has served as guest director at Dillard University for several years.

Troy has directed several stage plays and musical productions, such as Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin In The Sun”, and the musical version, “Raisin”.  He has also served as a vocal music director for Dillard University’s productions of “Reflections” and “Do Lord Remember Me”.  His production of the hit Broadway musical was the focus of a hit reality series: One Night Only – The Dreamgirls Story. This was aired on the BET Television Network. His credits range from directing Broadway star BJ Crosby to directing the Broadway musical, “Aint Misbehavin in Paris, France.

He has had the privilege of directing “Ain’t Misbehavin” with his high school students this spring and he also directed the musical, “Mahalia” at JPAS spring 2009 which received rave reviews.

When Troy is not in the classroom or in the theatre, he operates as CEO and founder of Matteh Foundation, a non-profit organization.  He is also the artistic director for a forty-voice choral organization, Covenant Chambers Singers.

Troy’s performances have included some of the following roles:

• “Antoine Broussard”                                               Okra
• “Eat Moe”                                                                  Five Guys Named Moe
• “Coalhouse Walker Jr.”                                          Ragtime
• “Larry”                                                                       Company
• “Ousoumarou”                                                         The Gift
• “Jean Valjean”                                                          Les Miserable
• “Hud”                                                                         Hair
• “Leading Player”                                                      Pippin
• “Lou”                                                                          Spell #7
• “Raimondo”                                                              Lucia di Lamermoor 
• “Amonasro”                                                              Aida (the musical)
• “Amonasro”                                                              Aida (the opera)