By Valerie Nea

Entertainment Editor

  “I suffer from anxiety. But being in music is sort of an escape for me,” junior Matthew Robledo shares. “When I’m performing, it’s like taking a sigh and letting out all my frustration through music.”

  Robledo is a musical theatre performer with a broad variety of skills. His talents range from tap dancing to jazz to, acting, and his personal favorite, singing.

  Surprisingly, he found his love for singing and performing when his parents signed him up for a performing arts school after he realized that he did not enjoy activities like soccer and baseball. Eleven years later, Robledo continues to attend the same school of performing arts, Ovation, to participate in their musicals and have professional actors train him.

  All together, Robledo has participated in eight musicals since he began performing. From plays like “Your a Good Man Charlie Brown” to “Gospel”, Robledo has dedicated his time and effort in each roll he is given. In each musical he partakes in, he always finds something new to learn or improve.

  “I played a character [named] Shroder in Your a Good Man Charlie Brown” Robledo proudly explained. “I enjoyed playing the character because there were vocally challenging parts which helped me grow as a performer.”

  Besides attending Ovation, Robledo also participates in Gabrielino High School’s choir. He has sang with Gabrielino’s choir since freshman year and continues to do so because it allows him to practice his vocals daily.

  ”[Matthew] works really hard.” Gabrielino’s choir teacher, David Pitts, complimented. “In the two years that I’ve had him, he’s already shown so much improvement and development of his [vocal] range.”

  Through the help of his mentors at Ovation and choir teacher  he is able to learn new skills pertaining to his area of interests. As an actor and performer, his inspiration comes from  his mentor and musical actress, Becky Broyles.

  “She pushes me to keep going and helps me improve my performances.” he said.

  Through all his experiences, he has decided on a career in musical theatre. He even hopes to one day expand to acting in commercials, television shows, and even movies. With his humble and eager personality, Robledo is looking forward to pursuing his passion and making a name for himself in the theatrical industry.

  “I don’t know what I want to major in yet, maybe film or theatre.” Robledo admits. “All I know is that I want to keep performing and attend an art school after I leave Gabrielino.”