This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UBC chapter.
Stats:
Name: Matt Kennedy
Year: 3
Major: B.F.A. – Acting
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Relationship Status: In a relationship
Theatre at UBC
What role are you currently playing in ‘Pride & Prejudice’, and why did you want to play it?
I am playing Mr. Darcy. There is an honesty to the character that I respected and was excited to explore. He is stuck between two worlds and constantly criticized for his actions and I think that that is a place where we have all been. I wasn’t aware of just how delightful a challenge finding that genuine intention and personal justification was going
to be.
What was the first show you ever did?
A Christmas Carol in elementary school. I played Bob Cratchit.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t yet?
That’s hard to say. Before finding out ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was going to be a part of the season, I had never read Jane Austen’s story. Mr. Darcy was not even on my radar. I like being surprised by a character and sometimes it’s easier coming in without a preconceived idea of how I might play a character. I have always wanted to play Peter Pan, but I think I’m a little past my prime for that one.
What is something embarrassing or unexpected that happened to you on stage?
Once I stabbed Tybalt in a show of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and I broke the plastic dagger during the scene and the next cue was for me to pull the dagger out from under him. I ended up hiding the fact that it was broken well enough but also ended up losing my shoe in the process, and had to walk back to Tybalt’s body to retrieve it. I think I pretended to spit on him to justify why I walked all the way back across the stage, as if retrieving a lost shoe wasn’t justification enough.
When did you first know you wanted to become an actor?
Acting kind of found me, I didn’t really go looking for it. I still don’t know if this is what I am going to end up doing. I love it and will pursue every avenue I can to ensure I can continue to perform and create.
What show are you doing/auditioning for next?
I have been cast in UBC Theatre’s next production of The Seagull by Chekov, opening in January.
Have you ever forgotten your lines, or a prop, or choreography during a performance?
That’s a cast and crew secret.
What happened?
…They’d have to kill me.
Love Life
Best date: After an amazingly casual dinner and drinks, I smoked her in a game of pool. I felt like a champ.
Biggest turn off in a partner: Cold feet, literally.
Most attractive thing in a partner: The ability to not only laugh with each other, but at each other.