While many artistically-inclined young people seek the spotlight, others would rather turn it on from back stage.

Matt Grenier, a 2005 Norwich graduate, was born in Plattsburg. His father, a member of the Air Force, was stationed at numerous places during Grenier’s younger days. Grenier explains he has lived in England, Maryland, Florida and following his father’s retirement moved to where some of their family was located – to Norwich.

Grenier was in sixth grade when his family settled in Norwich and no sooner than he arrived, he says he started getting involved in the local theater under the direction of the late Martin Kappel. Grenier’s talents rested behind the stage rather than on it, he says. “Martin Kappel taught me all about lighting design and the aspects of running everything behind the scenes,” said Grenier.

Grenier joined the musical club in high school, also under the guidance of Kappel, took part in field band and was part of the FIRST robotics team for four years. “I was not experienced in music at all,” he said, “I just walked in and learned bass drum.” In time, Grenier performed the lighting design for Amber Perkins’ recitals and all the high school musicals.