NORTHAMPTON — Matt Dibrindisi is raising the curtain on a series of performances, parties and live appearances his entertainment company is producing this summer — and almost everyone is welcome.
“I’m trying to reach as many marginalized people as possible — Black and brown people, low-income families, queer people, disabled people; anyone kept out by big entertainment,” said the 27-year-old Northampton man, who founded Matt Dibrindisi Entertainment in 2020.
“If you’re looking to harm people, take shots at communities we cater to, or you’re thinking this is pathetic — if you don’t get it, then stay out,” he told The Republican.
Dibrindisi said he was motivated to start his business after a trip to Disney World when he was 20 years old. As he watched Mickey Mouse work the crowd and pose for pictures, he remembers wishing more people could enjoy the experience.
“I realized what a huge privilege it is. Not everyone can spend $6,000 for a week of euphoria. I wanted to break down barriers and bring that quality of entertainment to people in low-income families that could use a day out,” he said.
First act
Dibrindisi’s company has produced a range of events, including magic shows, dance parties, workshops and special appearances by his mascot — Pepperoni the Great. He said he named the character before becoming a vegan.
Dibrindisi argues that the major players in his industry exclude the communities he supports by charging huge admission fees. His fees are much lower, often less than $10 per person. Anyone who can’t afford that pays less, or even nothing. It’s based on the honor system.
When he serves food, there are vegan options for those with special preferences, needs or allergies. He encourages masking because some are immunocompromised and easily get sick.
This fall, he is planning Dark of Fright, a Halloween party where there will be more treats than tricks. He is counterprogramming the bigger, scarier horror shows put on by local entertainment destinations.
“Dark of Fright is actually a misnomer, because it’s not scary at all. There’s a lot of people that love Halloween, but don’t want to be scared, who don’t want blood or gore. Maybe it’s because of trauma, because it reminds them of something, or their nervous system is shredded. What we do is playful,” he said.
Mission driven
Dibrindisi describes himself as a disabled gay man living with autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, clinical depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
He writes that he “strives to lift people up and personally sees to it that no one suffers as much as (his) own personal trauma experienced around coming out (as gay) at 15 years old.”
He refuses to work with most companies because so many have rejected or ended policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
“As a commitment to our audiences and our planet, we don’t create events for corporate clients,” reads a statement on his website, which also notes a willingness to work with businesses interested in collaborating on public events.
Dibrindisi is a one-man band. With no staff, he plays all the roles, from producer and writer to graphic designer and performer. He creates and posts videos online, where he uses social media to promote his message of inclusion and offer support to his communities.
He also has a blog called 312 West where he offers a behind-the-scenes look at his company.
“I’ve been through a lot myself, but there have been communities suffering for decades longer than I’ve been around, longer than our country has been around, and it’s still ongoing. I went through absolute hell, but people have it 20 times worse,” he said.
Dibrindisi added that he wants to enter the “pantheon” of big entertainers, insisting he has the creative mind and drive to be in the spotlight with them.
He knows he has to start small. His first Halloween party was homegrown in his backyard. He has since expanded into to larger venues like the Northampton Center for the Arts.
Pepperoni the Great is planning public appearances where the character will assume a soft and friendly presence, offering silent hellos since he does not speak, and posing for pictures.
The low-key meet and greets will be in contrast to the frenetic behavior he said some parents display, forcing children to pose with marquee names — from princesses to villains — at the big theme parks.
“We’re trying to create special moments with people who want a picture. There have been instances where a family will coerce their kids to taking a picture with Pepperoni. It’s hard to communicate to the adults, ‘Hey, your kids don’t want a picture, don’t make them do it,’” he said.
Even as he faces his own struggles, Dibrindisi is laser-focused on the role his audiences want him to play.
“I cannot stand to see people suffer, but they don’t want you to swoop in and solve all their problems. People don’t want saviors,” he said. “They want others fighting alongside them, not for them.”
On Wednesday, Dibrindisi will announce his company’s programming schedule for the next six months. The public is invited to attend the unveiling at Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St. beginning at 3:30 p.m.
For more information and a schedule of upcoming shows, visit mattdibrindisi.com.
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