Greetings fellow lover of life, 

I am Matthew Paszkiet. 

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    I came crying hither in Elgin, IL on December 30th, 1997: Capricorn for those of you who speak astrology. My early childhood consisted of snow, carrots, and the heartbeat of Chicago. 
    My introduction to the arts came outside of the home from shows such as Blues Clues: Live, Humperdinck’s Hansel & Gretel, and Jack and the Beanstalk. It was at the theater where my imagination began to flourish. I found myself completely captivated, leaving the theater truly believing there were giants in the sky. I found this art similar to that of what my family would soon be doing: moving.
    I then relocated to Florida. It’s was here my scarfs were hidden away and my love for acting was found. I was exposed to a world of new ideas and thoughts beyond my tamest dreams. I was engulfed in the world of pantomime, deliciously terrified by Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, and slapped silly by Ionesco’s absurdism. Needless to say, I was hook, line, and sinkered. 
    My summers were spent at drama camp where I found my voice in musical theatre and a knack for puppeteering. During this time I was introduced to the artistic haven known as the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Here I would learn the ins and outs of the fantastic beast know as the American musical. I learned what the hell a harmony was and was exposed to basic French thanks to ballet. The Conservatory of Performing Arts had me learning musical numbers in one hour, cramming into a van with my troupe of players, and traveling to a new venue every weekend. This gave me a newfound appreciation and profound respect for this noble craft.

    Not far from home was Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts: my next artistic endeavor. I was growing as quickly as my love for the arts was. Not only was I exploring new genres, but taking on new roles within the theatre department. I earned my first migraine while stage-managing, attempted to both write and direct an experimental show (my first encounter with the avant- garde) all while struggling to assemble my improv troupe for an after-school meeting.

    Amidst the chaos, I found the International Thespian Society (ITS). It gave me a bright bolt of joy and a strong sense of community to travel across the state and celebrate the joy of theatre with so many new voices. It was a think-tank of magic and madness. My high school career was one of highs and lows, wrongs and rights, and most importantly a large lesson in discipline. I’d do it all over again if I could; but better. 

    Then came the looming question of doom: To college or not to college? My answer was a very hesitant and unsure "yes". I bounced back and forth between staying in Florida or studying elsewhere. They say go big or go home, so I went big and far away. All the way to the west coast in the City of Angels. California Institute of the Arts would be my home for the next four years. There I met some of the most talented artists across all mediums imaginable. The scope of my acting potential was challenged, broken, and rebuilt every single day.

    The most important lesson I learned from college was the complexity of human nature. I realized that there is beauty in the world, but equally shared by ignorance, knowledge with foulness, and fear with love. I learned that life is a complex journey we're embarking on. A journey with complex people. I wouldn’t want to be walking this road as anyone else other than myself: an Artist. 

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The rest continues to unfold...