Matthew Owen McKenna

Matt McKenna is a New York based actor living in Brooklyn, who is best known for several stage productions (Penguin Blues, 2018, NuAnce Theatre) and (Surrender, International Wow Company) and several commercial appearances including spots for: ESPN, Planet Fitness, Big Ten Network, and Vs. Network. In film, Matt has had supporting roles in the full length feature "The Bates Motel" (2012) and the short film "The Tombs" (2011). In addition to his career as a professional actor, Matt is the Executive Director of Ridley Creek Productions, which seeks to produce and develop new scripts and ideas for film, theatre, and television. Matt McKenna was born in Chester, Pennsylvania to Steven and Sharon. One of four children, Matt grew up in Ridley Park, PA and graduated from Ridley High School in Folsom, PA (1999-2003.) In 2003, he matriculated at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At UArts, he started his four year conservatory training for acting under the great Meisner teacher, Wendy Ward. His mentors at UArts included Ward, David Howey, Ernest Losso, Janice Orlandi, Jared Martin, and Charles Conwell. In 2007, Matt received his BFA in Theater Arts in Acting from UArts. During college, Matt had the great experience and privilege of working for a martial arts school (Zhang Sah Martial Arts) in Philly from 2005-2008, receiving invaluable martial arts training under Sensei Sal Sandone and Kyosa Paul Felder. After graduating from college and appearing in a small number of regional plays, Matt relocated from Philadelphia to New York in Fall 2008, the exact week the financial crisis developed in the USA and hit NYC. Waiting tables and several extra work jobs filled the gap when work was scarce, and by 2012, the acting career was back on track. Matt is an uncle that loves his niece and nephew very much. Lifelong friends in the industry include: Mark Thurstlic (editor), Paul Felder (MMA fighter/analyst/actor), Mike Thurstlic (actor/writer), Brandon A. Smith (actor/director), Ed Renninger (VO artist/actor), Brian Byus (actor), Suzanne Hillner (VFX/cinematographer/editor.) Matt has been signed with CPM Talent Management (Georgeanne Bruzzese) since 2007.