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Born and raised in Wisconsin, Matthew attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire as a Blugold Fellow where he earned a comprehensive bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. His work includes both production and front-of-house operations at the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center, the Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, and the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild in Eau Claire.

In 2009, he began working as the Scenic Studio Supervisor for the Department of Music & Theatre Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

In 2011, Matthew left Wisconsin to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His time as a graduate student was distinguished as a Hixson-Lied Fellow in the Johnny Carson School of Theatre & Film. His contributions to the theatre program were honored by receiving the Porter Award for Creativity in Theatre and being selected to join the school’s Order of the Purple Mask.

Since receiving his MFA in Design & Technical Production, Matthew has been the Technical Director for the Alpine Theatre Project’s 2014 season in Whitefish, Montana, the Technical Director and Scenic/Lighting/Sound Designer for the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre, and a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

His role as professor at Gustavus, where he teaches stagecraft, computer-aided drafting, and stage management courses, is also filled with days overseeing the construction of the scenic elements for all of the department's productions in theatre and dance.

We connect Gusties with local food production and sustainable agriculture. More than gardening, we explore food systems, environmental justice, and climate action. Join us as we create a more sustainable campus community, while also getting agriculture experience. 

Tavan Radke ’27, a first year theater major, has a stage presence that fills a room upon arrival.