Matthew Pena

"Vow"

When did you first discover theater/what was your first experience?

I saw a high school production of Little Shop of Horrors as a junior high student. I just knew instantly it was something I wanted to pursue. Some part of me knew that I'd found my people.

When/how did you become a writer? Is there a writer, show, or text that particularly inspired you?

I started writing short stories as a freshman and thought I'd be a novelist. As my guitar skills developed, I was able to compose some really bad songs and eventually combine both skills.

How do you describe your style/work?

You know, I'm not entirely sure. I've never really approached writing with any specific theme or idea in mind. I guess I've always just let the song or story write itself through me.

What is most rewarding to you about writing music?

The way a person can connect with the music! It's my favorite thing about music in general. It can speak to you, through you, and connect you to others like nothing else.