MATTHEW MITCHELL IS A LIGHTING SENSATION
Child prodigies have two attributes in common: they show abilities and maturity comparable to those of highly skilled adults in a specific field; and, they have a consuming passion to doggedly pursue that interest.
Garry Kasparov ranked in the top 15 chess players in the world at age 16. André-Marie Ampère wrote a thesis on conic sections at the age of 13. Karl Benz, at the age of 15, passed the entrance exam for mechanical engineering at the University of Karlsruhe. Stevie Wonder, a skilled multi-instrumentalist had his first U.S. number-one hit at age thirteen. Steve Jobs got a summer job at Hewlett-Packard, all because at the age of 13 he had the conviction to make a phone call to founder member Bill Hewlett. Twelve year old Matthew Mitchell of Bryanston, Johannesburg is no different, but what makes him so exceptional is that his amazing Entertainment Lighting skills are entirely self-obtained.
Matthew – accompanied by Dad Robin – was slightly nervous when he entered Electrosonic SA's boardroom to be interviewed about his passion for Entertainment Lighting.
According to Dad Robin, Matthew was "switched on" since he was a baby and took torches apart to see how they worked. At 3 years of age he was already highly fascinated with musical fountain pumps and the switching of lights. Matthew's interest in lighting was all-consuming and at the age of 6 years old he was researching everything about lights on the Internet and discussing lighting catalogues with suppliers.
When he was 7 Matthew got his first DMX console; and in no time had figured out its full operation all by himself. Dad Robin laughs "I tried to figure it out, but to no avail". Matthew installed flood lights in the garden and entertained relatives with his Lighting Synchronised to Audio shows using the lights and equipment which he had accumulated over the years.
It is mind-boggling that Matthew figured out everything all by himself, even with the help of the Internet. One explanation is that Matthew has an exceptional innate talent which is driven by a burning passion. Dad Robin explains exactly how passionate Matthew is: "Our family attended Phantom of the Opera at Montecasino Theatre, when Matthew left us for a short while. We eventually found him backstage where he had already set up an appointment with the Lighting Manager for the following day to be shown the full lighting operation of the Theatre." When visiting the Sydney Opera House as a family, Matthew's initiative paid off again, whenhe requested (and was granted) a tour of the Opera House backstage. Matthew outgrew his lighting kit, but not his hunger for using more professional instruments. Quite the opposite, his appetite was whetted by the Martin Professional range of fixtures supplied by rental companies at his school's annual plays.
When an Internet search showed Matthew that Martin was indeed a world-class producer of lighting products he knew he wanted to be part of the Martin Family. Matt found Electrosonic SA on the web, called and announced he wanted to own Martin products. During a not-so-brief visit after school one afternoon (while Dad Robin and Mom Corrie went for coffee), Matthew decided then and there to upgrade his tired Q-Spots. His first purchase was a Martin Lightjockey and two Martin MAC 101's. The same evening those lights were thoroughly put through their paces in his lighting studio – much to his parents' amusement. Not long after and with a great school report card just received, Matthew and Dad Robin again rocked up at Electrosonic SA. This time, in order to provide more flexibility to his rig, he ended up with two Martin MAC Aura washes. These were the perfect complement to his 101's. Matt's inventory was growing rapidly.
Matthew is a pupil at Crawford Preparatory Lonehill School, a private school in Sandton, Johannesburg. In 2012 he was involved with the lighting for the school's production of Master Musical. Teacher Neil Smith, who is also involved in the Audio side of things at Rivonia BarnyardTheatre, noticed Matthew's talents and invitedhim to assist him with lighting projects at the Barnyard later this year.
Specialist Teacher Mr Derrick Anderson (IP Drama) also noticed Matthew's skills, and he has appointed Matthew as the Stage Manager for the 2013 school play, ABBACK to the 70's (A tribute to Abba), and he will also be the lighting engineer for the production. Electrosonic SA has offered Matthew all the support he needs. Bruce Schwartz, Entertainment Lighting Manager of Electrosonic SA who has dealt with Matthew from Day One said "It is very rare that a young man shows so much initiative and passion about this industry. We often lose the excitement we all had when we first got into this industry. Seeing that again and being part of making his dreams come true is what makes me love my job".
What's next for Matthew? He just became the proud owner of a M2PC console and it's a fair bet it won't be long until he joins the M-Family too.
Although Matthew received full colours for Technical Drama in 2012, and a Silver Medal for Drama, he is adamant that his main passion remains the controlling of Theatre Lighting sets. "I prefer this as I enjoy playing around until I find what works best. My dream is a career in Theatre Lighting, as I find this industry more advanced" says Matthew.
In the future, should your path cross with a Theatre Lighting genius called Matthew Mitchell, you might remember that you first read about this young Lighting prodigy in PROMAG... way back in 2013.
By the way, he's only 12 years old!
