Incredible techies are sometimes hard to come by, but we have absolutely lucked out with the brilliant Matt who has brought his amazing talents to The PumpHouse whānau. Matt works all over Tāmaki Makaurau with many wonderful theatres and theatre companies.

We asked Matt 10 questions about himself so that you can get to know him better, enjoy!

1. Tell us five random facts about yourself

• I have a twin sister who is studying in Wellington. I’m only two minutes older than her.
• I heavily rely on my calendar. Everything is colour coded. Such a useful thing to have on my phone.
• I won the ACTT best lighting design award for 2021. I also got nominated for the 2022 award.
• I have 0 unread emails. I will never leave an email unread.
• My last name has an apostrophe at the end because it was spelt Goldsbrough. Centuries ago a Dr Goldsbrough shortened it down because writing the full last name on medical documents was too long to fit in the box. So now it Goldsbro’.

2. How did you come to work at The PumpHouse Theatre?

The first time I remember going to The PumpHouse was for a Lighting & Sound workshop in 2017. In 2018 I started doing tech for my school’s drama department and later in the year, I was asked if I wanted to do follow spot for a show at The PumpHouse Theatre. I went along not knowing if I would like it but I loved it. I started doing more shows at school and then got asked if I wanted to do tech for Shoreside Theatre’s Shakespeare In The Park 2021. I then later did more shows with Shoreside Theatre and now working at The PumpHouse Theatre as a technician.

3. When did you start getting involved in the Performing Arts?

2018. My first year of college. I had been doing tech at my intermediate but had never done any theatre. It was just helping the music department. When I started college I was introduced to the drama technician Michael. I still remember that day and I’m sure Michael hasn’t forgotten. It hadn’t even been an hour of my first day at college. I then got involved with the school production that year designing the lights and following years I got opportunities to work on shows at many different theatres around Auckland. Some of my favourite shows I’ve done are show productions including Love and Information at Q Theatre, Showquest at Aotea Theatre and The Tempest at my college’s BLACKBOX Theatre.

4. What is your favourite thing about The PumpHouse Theatre?

I love seeing how the space is used by different people. I just love the ideas that they come up with. Set design, Costume, Tech. One day the stage is the front of a pirate ship and another it’s the inside of a small cottage. I love other people’s creativity and how they show that creativity on the stage.

5. Do you have a favourite memory/memories of The PumpHouse?

The Tech workshop I went to in 2017 at The PumpHouse I remember being so intrigued by the gear that was at the workshop. It was such a hands-on workshop that I wanted to keep playing with the gear. And now I get to do that every day.

6. What time do you wake up in the mornings?

Sometimes I will be up at 7am. Others I won’t wake up until noon. Sleep schedules aren’t much of a thing when you’re working late nights on shows.

7. What is your favourite food?

Can’t go wrong with top-deck chocolate.

8. What do you get up to when you’re not at The PumpHouse?

I also do tech for other theatres around Auckland. Always busy. I also do a bit of photography. Mainly landscapes but I have started doing some theatre photography.

9. Who inspires you?

Michael Goodwin. Skippy :). Michael was the first person to introduce me to theatre tech. He pushed me throughout college to try different things in theatre. Michael gave me opportunities to do shows outside of school and learn a lot more. I don’t think I’d be doing what I am without him.

10. What’s your all-time favourite theatre show?

My favourite theatre show that I’ve ever seen is ALONE. I saw ALONE at Q Theatre Loft and wow. It was such an amazing show. I was speechless after it. The set is small but very well done. All the little details caught my eye during the show. The sound design was insane. It felt like we were there in the show. Alarms going off around us, sounds shooting past, chairs rumbling. Lights in the set flashing. I see why it won Auckland Fringe in 2020. Definitely would go see it again.