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Actor returning to N.B. to mentor youth in arts

Dec 27, 2017 | 12:43 PM

A local actor who has achieved success in the theatre world has returned to the Battlefords to continue his work here.

Matthew Armet describes himself as a “triple threat” performer, accomplished in dancing, singing and acting. 

“There is a joy to performing that I can’t describe,” he said. “It has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.”

Armet returned to the local area just last month so he could teach at the Dance Connection studio in North Battleford. Armet will direct the Dekker Centre’s Showcase production in March and work in a mentorship role beyond that.

“I would like to stay in one place and work with the kids and the other artists in this community, and help the arts grow,” Armet said. “[I want to] give back a lot of the knowledge I learned while I was away over the last 13 or 14 years.

“I’m really excited to pass that on to the next generation, and inspire them hopefully.”

Armet’s partner, Tyrell Witherspoon also works in the theatre business and will teach at the Dance Connection studio. The pair is hoping to settle down and start a family. 

“We both have worked extensively in musical theatre,” Armet said. “We have done some film work as well — acting, mostly for TV.”

Armet grew up singing and dancing at Dance Connection in North Battleford, and also took private voice lessons here. After graduating from high school he then moved to Victoria for theatre school in 2004. Three years later he moved to Toronto. He later performed at the Stratford Festival for six seasons. 

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @battlefordsNOW