While many artistically-inclined young people seek the spotlight, others would rather turn it on from back stage.
Matt Grenier, a 2005 Norwich graduate, was born in Plattsburg. His father, a member of the Air Force, was stationed at numerous places during Grenier’s younger days. Grenier explains he has lived in England, Maryland, Florida and following his father’s retirement moved to where some of their family was located – to Norwich.
Grenier was in sixth grade when his family settled in Norwich and no sooner than he arrived, he says he started getting involved in the local theater under the direction of the late Martin Kappel. Grenier’s talents rested behind the stage rather than on it, he says. “Martin Kappel taught me all about lighting design and the aspects of running everything behind the scenes,” said Grenier.
Grenier joined the musical club in high school, also under the guidance of Kappel, took part in field band and was part of the FIRST robotics team for four years. “I was not experienced in music at all,” he said, “I just walked in and learned bass drum.” In time, Grenier performed the lighting design for Amber Perkins’ recitals and all the high school musicals.
Concentrating on the design aspect following graduation, Matt enrolled at Fredonia University to study lighting design. After a short time he realized he wanted to take his studies in a different direction. He explains his first year at Fredonia was a challenging one. Grenier transferred his studies to Binghamton University where he started to focus on the technical side of the theater through mechanical engineering with a minor in theater. He became the technical director at the Arts Council and began to work with the performers who use the theater, now named for his mentor, Martin Kappel. “I make sure the performers have the equipment they need and focus on the technical aspect of each performances,” said Grenier.
He explains his college courses are challenging as well as informative. “I am learning there is a big difference between lighting design and running all the other behind the scenes technical work,” he said.
Matt is now in his second year of study at BU and while living on campus he explains much of his time is spent in Norwich between working at the Arts Council and being an alumnus volunteer for the field band. He also does the lighting for Amber Perkins and has worked with local theater groups.
Grenier is most recently trying to get an internship with a company which builds scenery for Broadway shows, theme parks and more. “I would like to start with an internship this summer and see where it leads,” he said. “I like to think that I will apply my experience in a broader spectrum or at least continue to do lighting design on a smaller scale,” said Grenier.
Editor’s Note: “Chenango Stories” puts the spotlight on those people whose stories you might not otherwise hear. If you know someone who is interested in telling their “Chenango Story,” contact Jill Osterhout at 337-3075 or e-mail: josterhout@evesun.com.