Open Forum

One of the main goals for our Theatre Education Community is to help theatre students and professionals from all over connect and identify with each other in order to build resources and support the theatre education field. We shine a spotlight on a different member every other week by conducting a simple interview.

Our latest Spotlight Member is Matthew Denney, an EdTA pre-professional member, college student at University of Nevada-Reno, and Thespian Alum of Troupe 6730. Matthew is studying to become a theatre educator and has started some fantastic discussions within the Community.

Ginny: As a college theatre student, what is your greatest challenge?

Matthew: As a college theatre student, the greatest challenge is always finding a way to integrate theatre into my busy schedule. With 15 credits, a job, and homework, trying to find a way to integrate theatre is a hard thing to do. But I like to say “Theatre always finds you.” That’s one of the magical powers of theatre, it’s everywhere, and you’ll always have that inner theatre kid that wants to rock out to Rent and fangirl over Sutton Foster and Idina Menzel. You just need to take the opportunity to get involved with local theatres, State Thespians, and several volunteer opportunities. Everyone needs their yearly dose of theatre.

Ginny: Any tips for high school students considering colleges?

Matthew: When considering colleges, it’s important to know the program very well and ASK QUESTIONS! It’s okay to ask if you can do ____ with this major or _____ with this minor. Plus, learn the difference between a conservatory and a University. Above all, just tell your parents what’s going on and what you have going through your head. Ultimately, they’re paying for it, scholarships are not going to cover 4 years tuition, books, food, and residence hall/apartment. When looking at a theatre program, it’s good to research, research, research the program, the previous shows they’ve done and the classes that they offer. It’s also never bad to introduce yourself.

Ginny: Tell us about the moment that made you decide to get involved in theatre.

Matthew: I was always involved in theatre going through elementary and middle school, but the moment that made me want to pursue theatre was when I saw the Las Vegas production of Phantom of the Opera. Hearing that beautiful score in the front row and watching it live as these actors went through so many emotions in a span of 2 hours… The moment I will never forget is when Phantom was unmasked and crying, he briefly made eye contact with me and I said to myself, “I want to be like him.” So, thank you Anthony Crivello and Sierra Boggess for showing me the beautiful Phantom of the Opera.

Ginny: Why do you believe theatre is important?

Matthew: Theatre is important because it’s timeless. When we watch theatre, movies, or media, I like to believe that theatre shows us something that is hidden within all of us and in today’s society, we are known to push that aside and not unleash that side of us. When we are involved in theatre, we see that there is something inside of us that just clicks. I like to believe that’s the basic art of imitation. It’s natural to copy someone’s personality traits and form it into a character. When I used to talk about theatre, they used to tell me, “Theatre is dead, it’s all about movies now.” However, I remind them that theatre has been around since around 3100 BC. Do you think movies will stop theatre if it’s been around for that long? Whenever I tell students about theatre, I like to say that it’s an opportunity to unleash your inner child and to make someone believe you through emotions, physicality, and overall character.

Ginny: Where do you see yourself in ten years?           

Matthew: I see myself as a theatre teacher at a local high school, building my program and inspiring kids about theatre, while planning next year’s season around this time. Then, going to the International Thespian Festival and seeing an All State main stage performance of Wicked…..We all know it’s coming.

Matthew: I’ve always wanted to go on a Europe Tour and see the sights of all the main cities of Europe.

Ginny: What is your most prized possession?

Matthew: My most prized possession is a Blessing Ring which my theatre teacher gave all graduating seniors. The rule about the Blessing Ring is that you can’t buy it or ask for it, it must be given to you. Engraved on the Blessing Ring is, “Life is a journey. Not a destination.” I have it with me almost everywhere I go and it reminds me of the love, hard work and dedication I put into that small high school theatre. It also reminds me of home when I’m away.

Ginny: What is your favorite part of the day?

Matthew: Breakfast. Because you can eat as much as you want and everyone is too tired to notice. ;)

Ginny: Do you have a funny or moving theatre story (prop/costume mishap, a cast bonding moment, etc)?

Matthew: We were doing a production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream by William Shakespeare. I was thankfully cast as Nick Bottom, who turns into a donkey midway through the show. It was amazing being able to prance and sing around the stage. There is a moment in the show where Bottom falls asleep in the woods, along with Demetrius, Hermia, Lysander, and Helena. I was the last one to be awakened, so after a long time of “sleeping,” I actually fell asleep (which seems to be the case with other schools who do this show). When I woke up, I saw my director and Stage Manager just looming over me and I almost fell off of the platform I was sleeping on. He then asked me, “Do you want to do the show now?” Turns out, I was asleep for around 20 minutes until they realized it. Well, thank you, platform, for being such a nice resting place.

It’s been exciting getting to know Matthew through the Community. He’s an eloquent blogger and always willing to volunteer and lend a hand. With this kind of generous attitude and optimistic demeanor, his future theatre students will surely flourish. If you enjoyed Matthew’s interview as much as I did, add him as a contact in the Community!

Do you know someone who deserves a moment in the Spotlight? Tell me their name and why at gbutsch@schooltheatre.org. Want to read more Community Spotlights? You can find them here.