This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BYU chapter.
Matt Meese, Phoenix Arizona Graduated with a degree in psychology but is currently applying to grad school.
Q: What made you decide to come to BYU?
A: “My sister came here before me, and my family brought me to visit. I thought it was a really beautiful campus. [When I applied to college] I didn’t even apply to any other colleges, which is stupid, but it worked out alright.”
Q: How did you become involved in Divine Comedy?
A: “I auditioned. I was a fan before, and I thought ‘that looks like a lot of fun.’ [He wrote a story and played guitar for his tryout.]
Q: How many years have you been doing Divine Comedy?
A: “It’s my fourth year. It’s a good outlet for preforming and writing because we write our own sketches.”
Q: What sketch do you think that Divine Comedy fans associate you with the most?
A: “Definitely “Shoulder Angel” (See it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2XEc2UUFEA ) The first time I presented it (the idea) to a friend, he didn’t like it. So, I decided to present it to the group. The first time we tried it at rehersal everyone was just dying including our advisor–which doesn’t happen very often. It’s become kind of the thing that people know me through.”
Q: Do you ever think about the influence you have because you’re representing BYU and the church in your shows and on YouTube?
A: “Yes– That’s actually something we’ve thought about a lot lately. “Provo, Utah Girls” was such a hit–it made us a little more aware of how many people are looking now. We try to keep our focus in DC on making other students happy. There’s a lot of stress in college, and we’ve had a number of people tell us our YouTube videos got them through hard times–and that’s why we do it.”
Q: How do you feel when people recognize you/come up to you on campus?
A: “It’s neat. I’m always super flattered. I’m not bothered by it. I’m pleased that they enjoyed the show.”
Q: Is producing clean comedy really difficult?
A: “It really isn’t. It forces us to be more clever– it makes it so we can’t rely on shock value. It in no way hinders us, it makes us better, It helps keep a good feeling in the group.”
Q: Would you call yourself the class clown? Where do you find your balance?
A: “No. A lot of people expected me to be wild. I’m probably the most mild one of the whole group. I’m not really as crazy as you see on the stage. Nobody likes anybody who’s always preforming.”
Q: Would you call yourself a ham?
A: “I hope not. I try to be very sincere. What makes something funny is that it’s real.”