Matthew Catron
Since he was 16 years old, Exeter’s new theater intern, Matthew Catron, has pursued studies in playwriting, design work, acting and education with passion. Catron is assuming the roles of Cary Wendell, Exeter’s technical director and light designer who is taking a term on sabbatical. Catron was first introduced to stagecraft at his public high school in Roanoke, Virginia. Appreciating literature from a young age, Catron took his talents and curiosities to Wesleyan University, where he found a healthy balance of theater and work in education. His days were often engrossed with playwriting and light design along with tutoring students in an after-school program. Believing that both of these interests were highly fulfilling, Catron was concerned that his future career might limit him from being involved in both passions. However, he found that it was possible to merge the two.
“When it came time for me to graduate, I was torn between continuing my work as a teacher and my work as an artist. When I found this technical theater position here at PEA, I realized that I didn’t have to choose between these two paths,” Caton said.
As Catron’s college career developed, he became more attached to the aspect of design over other theatrical options. It was this passion for design that influenced him to become a lighting and sound designer at the Academy.
“After applying and meeting the Theater faculty and students here, I felt that this was the place for me, and I am incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of the Phillips Exeter community for this year,” Catron added.
Theater and Dance Chair Robert Richards met Catron last year when he was applying for the position. Richards said he was looking for talent and collaboration skills. “Matt certainly fit the bill. His obvious talent as a light designer, as well as his many other theater skills and abilities were impressive,” said Richards, who is excited to see what Catron will offer. Catron will be involved in production meetings throughout the year and manage lighting in the theater, which is what Richards calls, “one of the many essential elements to any stage production.” Among the many tasks of a lighting designer, some of the prominent responsibilities include shifting the emphasis of different locations on stage along with evoking a certain mood and style for the production.
“Matt is outstanding! He is one of the most cheerful people I know and I’m very happy to be working with him this year.”
Wendell said that after interviewing Catron for the position, he welcomed him to Fisher Theater for the matinee performance of “The Laramie Project” last May.
Krista Sonia, another new Theater and Dance intern, was also in attendance at the play. “The fact that both interns took the time to come to PEA to see how we work and witness the quality of our shows is testament to their enthusiasm and commitment to our program,” Wendell said. “I really appreciate Matt’s enthusiasm for theater and expect that he will thrive in our environment.”
While Catron will be working as the lighting and sound designer and master electrician, Sonia is taking on the roles of Production Stage Manager and Production Manager, as well as helping out with Technical Direction.
“Matt is outstanding! He is one of the most cheerful people I know and I’m very happy to be working with him this year,” Sonia said.
Catron looks forward to having more time to focus on his artistic practices. In college, Catron felt like he was doing a million things at once. With classes, homework and work, his days provided little room for his studies on stage. Catron’s excitement also extends to working with the next generation of theater-makers on campus, which he hopes to inspire, having worked so much with education.
Looking ahead, Catron said, “You all will be the ones creating the next wave of exciting and boundary-pushing art in the years to come, and I can’t wait to see what the students here create today and in the future.”