IMFourPlay

You wouldn't necessarily think that a network administrator would fit in with our merry little band of behind-the-scenes FourPlayers, but Matt's human networking skills both in the tech booth and behind the scenes have sure come in handy! We were lucky to have him return for his second tour of duty as lighting technician and Slide Show operator. Matt agreed to talk to me briefly while working on lighting schemes, a downed email server, 2 remote networks and finishing off some all-you-can-eat Carolina BBQ...

Current favorite musical: Movie -- has to be Beauty and the Beast, followed closely by Hunchback of Notre Dame and Little Mermaid; Stage -- I have actually only seen 2 -- FourPlay: The Improvised Musical and Jester Theater's version of Musical of Musicals
Current favorite improv game: Narrative Collage and Crime Endowment

DC: I hate to admit it, Matt, but our recurring sound woes have, perhaps, overshadowed at least my focus on the lights (and we all know that lights need some focus every now and again!) You routinely manage to create some lovely effects with a rather limited system. Tell us a little about what inspires your light choices, or is it simply a need to practice for setting up Christmas lights on a house?

MC: Why, David, I am surprised by the question; I thought the light effects went unnoticed for the most part. I draw inspiration from the stories told on stage and the music that is provided. The first year of FourPlay taught me a lot about lighting musicals and I brought that knowledge with me to this year. Generally speaking, I have found that bright, shiny objects often distract the audiences from the fact that the same four people keep showing up on stage...

DC: I have also noticed that interesting (and at times, odd) sound effects creep into the show. Are those a result of your need to torture us with phantom doors and voices in the rafters?

MC: No, they are there to help add environment to the scene. There are times that I have found the players picking up a game of playing with the effects. The voices in the rafters must be trapped in your head; otherwise, I would have to admit that occasionally certain CD cues are left with the house volume up. Of course there are times when my evil twin appears in the booth and tries to "blow up" everyone on stage. Don't make my evil twin angry, David; you wouldn't like it if he got angry...

DC: That's fair warning! I completely agree that there's been many a night when the soundscape has really added a great ongoing game (and I promise never to mention the afternoon of explosions if you won't either!) Given that you seem to have a career in computers already, what keeps you coming to SAK?

MC: It is a winding path, but worth the time. When I first came to Orlando, I joined a service Fraternity at UCF (Alpha Phi Omega). Through them, I got involved with the Orlando Fringe Festival, where I worked as a volunteer and a Board member for 10 years. The year I moved up in the Fraternity to take a more advisory role, I had an opportunity to take the Basics class at SAK for free. They kept passing me up the chain; now I am in LabRats, where I was honored with LabRat of the Year in 2004. While working with Fringe, I had met John Valines. John finally convinced me to learn to tech at SAK and I have been doing it ever since. SAK is my mini-vacation each week from the rest of my life, and I love every second of it.

DC: And we love having you as part of the family. You mentioned Disney musicals as some of your favorites. What about them connects with you?

MC: Well, the simplicity of the songs. The way they tell the story effortlessly. The variety of styles helps as well. Music is very powerful and can touch each person in a different way. While I know that I am not a star singer by any stretch of the imagination, music that is lyrically sound and easy to follow gives me the ability to "sing in the shower" and pretend that I am that good. While I don't always identify the tune playing, my life is one big soundtrack and there are songs that are absolutely perfect for every moment in my life, significant or insignificant. The Disney musicals often underscore the true feelings I hide from most people.

DC: Wow, I never knew that music inspired you so; no wonder you enjoy being a part of this production. Don't worry--your secret is safe with me! Well Matt, thanks for giving me a little of your time... Now that you got my email working again, I can send out my announcements for the Lost Comedies of Shakespeare. By the way, is that my tie you just dipped in that BBQ sauce?!?!?

To learn more about Matt, go here.