ABOUT MATT

Growing up in a household of two older sisters, I have always had a performative nature. From performing choreographed show with my sisters to singing "Barbie Girl" into hairbrush microphones, I knew that from a young age I wanted to tell stories. In the 6th grade, I was presented with my first ever performance opportunity: to be in a class production of Midsummer's Night Dream. After doing the "auditions" I found out that I wasn't cast in the production. I could have taken that as saying I wasn't good enough or that this wasn't the path for me. Instead I went up to my teacher and asked "What can I do to get better?" I have held onto that mantra throughout my performance career; always trying to take something away from all my experiences.

I attended Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA where I majored in Theater- Musical Theater and Dance. I was blessed to be cast in the mainstage performances 7 out of my 8 semesters of college being featured in roles such as Will Parker in Oklahoma!, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing and Chip Tolentino in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Along with performing, I was a part of the school's Club Lacrosse team, being a starter all 4 years. Joined a fraternity and served as the Philanthropy chair for 2 years, raising money for local CHKD children's hospitals as well as local fire departments through the organization of fundraisers and events.

I used my time through school to further develop my craft and take ahold of any opportunity that came my way, theater related or not. I believe that having a well-rounded way of life allows a person to access their full potential. Be YOU no matter where you are and find those that accept you for that. It is those people that I surround myself with that help me discover more about myself and the way I tick.

Some of my hobbies include working out at the local gym (sometimes training friends as well as working on getting my personal training certification), computer and console gaming after I had designed and built my own computer during the pandemic, and exploring new areas of the city with my friends as well as collecting new friends along the way. I have been very blessed with the performing jobs I have been presented with so far in my career and thank everyone along the way for the places it has brought me. It really is wonderful to watch your childhood dreams come to life.

I have lived a very full and grateful life already and look forward to each day and what it will bring me. I hope that you will be along with me for the ride!