Show Time

Matt Merrell is in the
spotlight once again

by Mike Savicki   |   photography by Gayle Shomer Brezicki

If you’ve ever enjoyed a production by the Davidson Community Players then you’ve probably seen the talent and creative energy of Matt Merrell. His onstage roles through the years have included 13 DCP productions. He was most recently seen last summer in Noises Off, the DCP production for which he won the 2010 Outstanding Lead Male Actor Award by the Metrolina Theatre Association.

A graduate of Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of Law, Merrell previously served the 46-year-old organization as a board member and board chair. As the new executive director, Merrell takes on the challenge of continuing the company’s transformation from a summer theatre to a multi-faceted dramatic arts company with year-round programming, workshops, training and community outreach activities.

So you’re a lawyer who now leads a recognizable theatre group. Doesn’t the overlap seem a bit ironic?

Well, I would argue that a good litigator has to have a bit of theatrical talent. I got my theatre fix in the courtroom when I was practicing law, and it was only when I moved away from my legal practice that I started to miss theatre.

I’d also say that the legal training has really prepared me for a number of other steps I have taken in my career. I’m already reviewing contracts and working with tasks like royalties, so I think those legal and analytical skills can be used in how you approach and process so much in your life. It’s about resolving issues and boiling down challenges to their essence. But, that said, it’s a big jump from being a lawyer to running a theatre company.

What brought you to Davidson Community Players in an administrative position?

I had done a lot of theatre in high school and college and had been out of it for about 12 or 13 years. On a lark, I auditioned for a show, Oliver, and I got cast. And the acting bug bit me again. For the last 15 years it has been a big part of my life, a passion you might say. Some men are crazy about golf, cigars, playing cards or whatever; I’m real crazy about the theatre.

I served on the board of DCP for about eight years, the last couple as the chairman, and got to know the organization very well. Under my tenure as chair, we began the maturation from a sleepy, two-shows-a-summer production company to a company that offers year-round productions along with workshops and educational programming. I rolled off the board and continued to act. When this opportunity opened, I had a number of friends encourage me to consider it. I did, and now I’m back.

What do you enjoy most about the theatre?

I discovered when I got back into it in the late ’90s that artists are such a wonderful group of people to be around. Even in community theatre, where most people are doing it more as a hobby than a vocation, they are still artists and love the artistic process. The friendships you build are tremendous, and together you fuel a part of your soul in a way you can’t do anywhere else.  

Davidson Community Players is almost 50 years old. When so many community theatres fold in such a short period of time, how has this organization managed to not only last, but grow?

For various reasons, not all economic, many theatres have died off through the years. We are fortunate to be approaching a wonderful anniversary. I think first and foremost the quality of the productions keep the seats filled. DCP provides quality entertainment at an affordable price. The quality of the volunteers also keeps us strong. A difficulty that many theatres face is that they have a wonderful artistic vision but lack the volunteer and donor base to support their mission and build longevity. Historically, Davidson has been fortunate and has an established track record. We don’t take it for granted, and that’s one reason I’m so excited about my new role and getting out in the community to build energy.

Will you still be able to participate in productions as an actor?

In the short term, my plate will be full with a number of challenges, but I hope in the long term I can get back to the stage. One good way to do that is to be in performances. However, I do know a lot of the directors we use so I’d need to make it clear that if I’m cast for a part, it shouldn’t be because of my position, it should be because I’m the best choice they have, and I’m right for the part. There would be no hard feelings if I were not cast.

Is Davidson a unique community that fuels the growth of theatre or do you think an organization like DCP can work in another type of community?

Let me start by saying any community is enriched by a healthy theatre company. I think bringing this particular form of art to a community is fun, collaborative and it helps build a sense of community. I had a professor at Davidson tell me a town can’t be a college town without a bar and a football team. I would extend that thinking to say a vibrant college town needs a theatre, as well.

Extending out a bit, the Lake Norman region has a highly educated demographic who value the arts and who want to attend quality theatre in their community. So with that rich resource right here, our success is uniquely dependent on that interest and involvement.

Then you have theatres like Asheville and Hickory. Hickory has a tremendous staff and New York-trained actors who live in the area. To the east, Salisbury has a wonderful theatre. They are in a building that’s more than 100 years old. It has a lot of charm, and they are wonderfully supported by the community. So you see it’s not necessarily unique to Davidson, but Davidson has all of that in spades.

What are DCP’s plans for the future?

In the short term, I want to work on reenergizing and rebuilding relationships with our donors, patrons, volunteers and the artistic community across the region. I’ll go out and visit people, thank them for their support and remind them of the importance of their support for the organization. As the organization continues to grow, there’s also a financial demand. There’s no other way to say it other than I need to raise money. Those are my two immediate tasks. And, oh yeah, we need to sell 6,000 seats for our summer shows.

What do you hope to bring to DCP personally?

I want to continue the maturation process of the theatre group. That involves adding and improving programs, workshops and classes for children. I’d like to expand the children’s component to include programs for low-income children and those who might not otherwise be able to participate. I’d like to reach out more to adults and seniors by reminding them it is never too late to catch the acting bug or pursue the creative side of their personalities. And having been a historically part-time organization, I’d like to assess our internal needs and move ahead with a more full-time staff.

Growing the volunteer base is a priority, too. Volunteers are the lifeblood of a non-profit organization. We have so many opportunities for volunteers whether you are on stage or behind the scenes. You can take on a major project or simply step in for one show. If someone just wants to test the waters, we can absolutely find them a place.

Has anything surprised you so far?

It’s difficult for an actor to appreciate the commitment a volunteer or a behind-the-scenes person makes to a production. Now that I’m behind the scenes, it astonishes to me the level of commitment and professional competence that the staff brings. In particular, we have an artistic director, Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, who has talent in truckloads. I believe her artistic vision for the organization will really compliment my administrative vision as the bean counter. A partnership like that is important.