Matti Digue, Hartland High School junior, has been involved with theater since she was 7 years old. The Drama Club’s production of “Our Town” now gives her the opportunity to not only showcase her acting experience, but also her marketing skills.
Digue has spent many hours preparing for her role as Myrtle Webb in the classic drama, while also working to promote the show through her position as Marketing Crew Head. The daughter of Melissa and David Digue, she was inspired to act by watching her older brother, Justin, take the stage. The Broadway fan says she loves to transform into her characters.
“I try to always take a moment to myself before a show and really breathe, relax and put myself into my character’s shoes,” she said. “From that point forward, I’m no longer Matti; I’m the character I’m interpreting.”
Digue, who admires Myrtle Webb’s strength and passion, takes great pride in designing the marketing materials for every Drama Club production — from logos, posters and programs to tickets, yard signs and billboards. Her dual role allows her to appreciate the rewards of hard work, both on and off the stage.
“I feel such joy, not only for Marketing Crew when our shows sell out, but for cast when we get those standing ovations at the end of a show,” she said. “That feeling is truly irreplaceable.”
In addition to Drama Club, Digue is also a member of the Women’s and Varsity Chorus Choir and yearbook staff. She enjoys reading and creative writing, and aspires to continue acting and major in psychology upon graduation.
For Digue, “Our Town” is a lesson in appreciating the ordinary.
“I’ve definitely been inspired to step back and take a wider view on the world I live in,” she said. “In the end, all those little moments are the ones that will truly matter the most.”
— Jennifer Stang
Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at Hartland High School, 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students/seniors, and can be purchased at http://hartlanddramaclub.weebly.com or at the door.
