Where are they now?

It’s always exciting to learn about what happened to past students of Otumotai College. Matt’s story show that an Otumoetai College education provides an important grounding for future endeavours.

Matt Lee

What year did you graduate from Otumoetai College?

2009

Current job title / role?

Performer

How long have you been in this role:

12 years!!

What is a lasting memory you have from your time at Otumoetai College?

I have many fond memories from my time at Otumoetai College. One of my highlights will always be Drama with Sean Gaskell and Mandy Rowe. Both of them have a passion for the arts that was definitely transferred to me as a student, and I have no doubt that their high level of training set me up with strong foundations for my performance career. I adored being in the school productions each year, and have particularly strong memories playing Jekyll & Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde in 2009. My favourite drama memory is definitely of our trip to the UK with the year 12-13 drama classes in 2008. During our week in London we were lucky enough to see several shows. After seeing Jersey Boys we had the opportunity to speak with the cast in the Theatre after the show. It was a fantastic and inspiring experience for me, and one I really hope to be able to give back to students when I join the cast of Jersey Boys New Zealand this April.

What was your most valuable life lesson(s) learnt during your college years?

Hard work definitely pays off. I don’t think you need to know your exact direction or have specific goals in place when you’re navigating your college years, however if you decide to give something a go, go for it with everything you have. That dedication you put in will quickly help you to find yourself and your passions.

How well did you feel Otumoetai College prepared you for tertiary study / the workforce?

Interestingly I actually didn’t continue onto fulltime tertiary study, but that’s all due to the nature of the industry I work in. There’s no doubt that Otumoetai College prepared me to join the performing industry. Funnily enough being involved in a school production is not much different to being involved in a professional one. The audition process at school really gives you a taster for what auditions are like in the field. You also quickly gain an understanding for the passion you need to succeed in this industry. You work long, high focus hours. I believe it’s important to experience that environment before you enter the workforce.

The school is lucky enough to work with other different departments for the shows too. You get your first taste at working with a musical director, with choreographers, set designers and costuming teams. It really functions like a professional show. I actually have been spending my days lately learning my show music for Jersey Boys. I never took music theory outside of school, so I’ve been drawing on that schooling knowledge daily.

Did you know what you wanted to do when you left college?

I absolutely knew that I wanted to perform, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. There are lots of pathways for performers to take depending on the aspects of performance they trained/are interested in. I’m lucky enough to have transitioned within my industry across multiple facets of performing. There’s no black and white path for performers, even if they decide to go to full time training.

Why did you pursue your current area of work?

Ironically enough performing in front of people can be very difficult and intimidating for me. The main reason I got into it was my love of the craft itself. I love the rehearsal process, building a character, expressing myself in different ways and building something amazing with a group of like minded people. Of course when you actually stand on stage and feel/hear the applause, that gives you a buzz too.

How did you get into the field you are now currently working in?

Originally I was chasing screen acting work. I was lucky enough to book a few auditions and I felt like that was the way the industry was pulling me. As it turns out, most of my recent work has been back to my roots of musical theatre. That’s doesn’t surprise me I guess as it’s where I really excelled as a kid. I got back onto that path through working for Disney in Tokyo, Japan. I just attended an open audition and was contacted a month later with a job offer. I ended up working there for almost 3 years. That kind of work is really back to my foundations of acting, improvisation, dance and singing which are the pillars of good musical theatre.

What is one piece of advice you would give to current Otumoetai College students?

Don’t be afraid of what other people think of you, and do things for yourself first. If you have a dream to chase then go for it. The minute school ends and you’re out on your own, you’ll be glad you did.