Arts Express Theatre Presents
In Memory of Ray DeMattis—A Legacy of Theatre, Education & Inclusion
Arts Express Theatre honors Ray DeMattis—a visionary actor, director, educator, mentor, and advocate whose impact on our organization and community will endure.
Ray built a remarkable 50+ year career, making his Broadway debut in the original GREASE and later appearing in CITY OF ANGELS and the revival of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. His extensive credits included regional and national theatre, television appearances on THE COSBY SHOW, THE SOPRANOS, THE GOOD FIGHT, EVIL, NEW AMSTERDAM, and LAW & ORDER, as well as performances for four U.S. Presidents and the U.S. State Department.
A dedicated teacher and mentor, Ray championed education, inclusion, and opportunity throughout his life. He was especially proud to serve as Founding Artistic Director of the National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped (NTWH), the first theater workshop for performers with disabilities. For opening doors to artists long excluded from the stage, he received The Timmy Award.
In 2024, Ray directed GREASE at Arts Express Theatre—the show that launched his Broadway career more than five decades earlier. His generosity and expertise inspired our young performers and reflected his belief in theatre accessible to all.
Photo of Ray with the Cast and Production Team of AET's production of Grease in July 2024
Please honor Ray's memory with a donation to Arts Express Theatre. Your gift supports a Southern Arizona theatre educator who has gone the extra mile to make theatre accessible, inclusive, and life-changing for their students.
Donations are tax-deductible. Arts Express Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: #86-0941657.
Donate TodayThank you for helping us continue Ray's work of making theatre accessible, inclusive, and transformative for future generations.