Student Profile: Matt McClung, member of the Green and Blackfriars.

Matt McClung, Junior at Walnut Grove, is a proud member of the Green and Blackfriars. He has made an outstanding impact in drama and has enjoyed his time being in the Troupe over the past three years.
by Lauren Brandt and Annabelle Adams

Matt McClung, Junior at Walnut Grove, is a proud member of the Green and Blackfriars. He has made an outstanding impact in drama and has enjoyed his time being in the Troupe over the past three years.

McClung has been an avidly involved member in the drama department his whole high school career. “I’ve been in drama since my freshman year. I took fundies... and I did a show for that class which was shorter than a normal One-Act. Sophomore year, I did every show, and so far, my junior year I’ve done every show. Hopefully, I will do all the shows my senior year,” he reported. His high hopes are showcased by the feeling of being a part of the club.

McClung recalled this feeling by expressing what he loves most about being a part of the Green and Blackfriars, “My favorite thing is being on stage. I like entertaining people, and I like having people come to the shows. I also like being good at something and people thinking that I’m good at something. Overall, I like just being on stage and feeling seen.”

McClung is very passionate about the troupe. He explains, “Drama is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It gives a cool outlet, and it was a very good place for me to grow… It’s led me in an amazing direction that I don’t think I would’ve gotten to without drama.” Not only is he passionate about the group, but he loves the members as well. “It’s a huge family,” McClung commented. Everyone in the troupe bonds easily with each other and are very supportive of each other.

McClung expressed that being a member in the Troupe, “changed [his] life” due to all that the club has taught him and the qualities it has given him. “I was very shy, but [drama] made me more social. And, it made me better at just talking to random people. [Drama] got rid of a lot of my social anxiety. It’s really just made me more confident,” McClung mentioned as he remembered how he was before joining the club.

While Matt has performed in numerous shows, he recalls his favorites being, “Mean Girls and Legally Blonde”, along with his favorite characters he’s played being, “Damian from Mean Girls and Laurie from Little Women.” A lot of hard work and dedication go into every show he performs. His inspiration to make his performances amazing are recalled as, “putting in the work and the people around you– they motivate you. You really just put in the time to learn your lines and develop your character.”
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With the club being his favorite pastime, McClung hopes he can possibly keep up with it in the future. “I don’t know about a career, [but] it’d be kind of cool to still pursue it as a hobby. I definitely want to keep doing it throughout my life because it’s just an incredible outlet, and it keeps me involved,” he expressed when asked about if he sees a future pursuing drama as a career.