By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez is a recent graduate of Green Bay Southwest High School.
Wautier was active in football, lacrosse, the musicals and choir.
He plans to attend UW-Stevens Point to study fine arts/musical theater.
Name: Matthew Wautier-Rodriguez
Nickname: Matt
School: Green Bay Southwest
Activities: Football, lacrosse, choir, musicals
Parent: Connie Wautier
Twitter: @matthewwautierr
Tell me about your family.
“I have an older sister named Monica who graduated from Southwest in 2014 and also graduated from UW-Green Bay. My mom grew up in Oneida and went to West De Pere.”
Tell me about your sports career at Southwest.
“I played and started on the football team all four years in the defensive backfield. I also played lacrosse for two years.”
Could you have played college football?
“I could have played at the Division III level I think – I had discussions with Winona State, UW-Oshkosh and St. Thomas, but my heart was set on performing on stage.”
Let’s talk about your activities. You recently traveled to New York City for the Jimmy Awards, which are The National High School Musical Theatre Awards. How did you get selected?.
“We were there for nine days – it was amazing. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center had a judging competition on the musicals. Out of about 20 high schools, the PAC selected the five best male/female leads. I was nominated for best male actor, so I had to do a couple more audition pieces. On May 18, I was selected among the five finalists to go to New York.”
What was it like performing in New York?
“It was cool and one of the most memorable moments of my life. To move into a professional setting where we got to perform on the same stage as Broadway performers do when they come with their company was awesome.”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I can fit my whole fist into my mouth.”
What three words best describe you?
“Passionate, outgoing, fun.”
Besides Wisconsin, what is your favorite state?
“New York. I had never visited before. I was in awe the whole time. The way of life is so much different there.”
Can you see yourself living in New York City someday?
“For sure. I have a lot of friends doing theater in college – it would be awesome.”
Name three cities you’d like to visit in your lifetime.
“Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle.”
What would your dream job be?
“Be able to perform in front of an audience. It doesn’t have to necessarily be on Broadway – there are a lot of good regional theater opportunities in other cities. I would love to get into film, too.”
If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
“For everyone to love and respect everyone else. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you should respect them.”
What will you miss about Southwest?
“The music department and some close teachers from over the past four years – it’s been an amazing time. I spent a lot of time in the music department.”
Tent or camper?
“Tent.”
Lie on the beach or ski down the slopes?
“Lie on the beach.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Hardwood.”
Spring or fall?
“Fall.”
Singing or acting?
“Singing.”
Favorites
Candy: Extra Long Twizzlers
Phone app: Instagram
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Color: Yellow
Board game: Sorry