An Interview with David Snider

Interview by Laureen F. Guenther -

David Snider plays Matthew Cuthbert in Rosebud Theatre’s Anne of Green Gables this summer. David joined Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) and Rosebud Theatre in the Fall, 2006, after eight years with Chemainus Theatre Festival.

His acting credits include; Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat, Godspell, An Inspector Calls, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Shaw’s You Never Can Tell.

David is Head of RSA’s Certificate Program and teaches acting principles, Shakespeare, audition techniques, musical theatre, and Christianity and the Arts.

He’s also a director, sound designer and composer.

Maranatha News: You convincingly play Matthew, a lifelong, much-older bachelor. Is there a Matthew in your life who you take your inspiration from?

DS: There’s a man in this community who has a remarkable humility about him, and a shyness. He’s a very generous man in spirit, and helpful. I’ve thought of him a good deal.

And I was in Linden, (Alberta) in a bike shop…a fantastic man, Cal, started this incredible bike shop. He’s tall and lanky like me, and I was following him around the store… and I started imitating his walk. Cal didn’t even realize I was doing this! I just recognized something in his spirit and a similarity in our frames, so that really did it for me.

I really admire Matthew. I love the idea of someone who is a quiet hero. It’s been enjoyable to want to be about that.

MN: What do you want people to take away from seeing the special relationship between Matthew and young Anne?

DS: You witness a love that goes way beyond affection. Matthew gives everything for Anne’s emotional and spiritual growth. Scott Peck’s ….definition of love is to extend yourself for the spiritual growth of another person…. Matthew has clearly…come back to life (after a first heart attack) and is willing to give all of his last energies so he can be alive with Anne and for her.

MN: What’s next for you?

DS: I’m thrilled to say that Tuesdays with Morrie* is next…. I’m going to play opposite my real-life bosom friend and mentor, Morris Ertman. The conversation of that play is so true to my life right now…. I’m also thrilled I’m being challenged to become more proficient on the piano. That’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it’s a strong element in the play, so I have some fear and trembling about that. But I’m really looking forward to that.

MN: Anything else you want to tell the readers of Maranatha News?

DS: A lot of people go to the theatre because they want to be entertained. Escape is another word that’s often used. I don’t think that’s what happens here; I feel like what Rosebud offers, what people find, is retreat. So I’m thrilled and proud to shout that out, and to say, “Please come. Come and experience this and become a part of a community out here.”

*Rosebud Theatre, Fall, 2012.

To view the Rosebud Theatre Fall schedule, visit www.rosebudtheatre.com.

Laureen Guenther lives in Alberta and writes book and play reviews for Maranatha News. Laureen is also a teacher, a special needs ministry volunteer, and a devoted auntie. Read her blog at http://reeniesresources.blogspot.com.