SENIOR PROFILE: Jarrett Matthews leaves his mark through movement, media

Jarrett Matthews

The music plays before anyone says a word.

In a dimly lit rehearsal space, Jarrett Matthews counts quietly under his breath, guiding bodies across the floor with precision. A step, a pause, a turn — he watches closely, then steps in, adjusting a movement with ease.

For Matthews, storytelling doesn’t always begin with dialogue. Sometimes, it starts with motion.

Whether he’s choreographing a routine, performing under stage lights, or framing a moment through his camera lens, Matthews has spent his time at Claflin University doing one thing consistently — creating.

In May 2026, that chapter will close as he graduates with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, concentrating in digital media with a minor in graphic design. But his impact has already been felt far beyond a classroom.

Matthews, a native of Greeleyville, South Carolina, makes it clear where his story begins

“I am from Greeleyville, not Greenville,” he said. “It’s important to highlight where I come from because it is a small town.”

Raised by his mother, a judge, alongside his sisters, he grew up in an environment rooted in discipline and self-expression — two things that would later shape his artistry.

When he arrived at Claflin, something shifted.

“When I got to Claflin, that’s when I found my safe space within my creativity,” Matthews said. “I was able to express myself freely through acting and dancing.”

That freedom turned into influence.

As vice president of the Claflin Theatre Ensemble, Matthews helped guide the organization creatively while also pouring into its members. As lead choreographer, he translated emotion into movement, bringing productions like “The Color Purple” to life and contributing to original works like “Unknown.”

His choreography didn’t just fill space — it added meaning. On stage, he became just as impactful. From “Chicago: The Musical” to touring performances as an actor and dancer, Matthews built a presence that audiences could feel before they fully understood it.

Off stage, his creativity took on new forms.

Through his photography brand, ShotsByJaay, Matthews captures everything from editorial visuals to professional headshots, helping others see themselves through his creative lens.

Behind the camera, he found another way to tell stories. That vision carried into film with his short project, “The Algorithm Made Me Do It,” a piece that explores how technology and trends shape the human mind.

Even beyond campus, his work continued to grow. At the Southeastern Theatre Conference, Matthews contributed to a team that earned Best Fringe Festival Performance.

More recently, he secured first place in duet improvisation alongside fellow performer Antwan Cummings — an achievement that highlighted not just talent but instinct and connection. And still, he continues to evolve.

In one of his most recent works, Matthews led and choreographed an Alvin Ailey-inspired dance performance for a concert choir, merging movement and music into a powerful, unified expression.

It was another reminder that his artistry does not fit into a single box — it expands. Those who know him often describe him the same way: bold, unique, charismatic.

But Matthews sees it differently. For him, it’s about impact. Everything he creates — whether through dance, theatre, photography, or film — comes from a place of authenticity. A place he once searched for -- and eventually found.

As graduation approaches, Matthews is not just walking away with a degree. He’s leaving behind moments, movement and meaning — pieces of himself embedded into every stage, every production and every person he’s inspired along the way.

And if his journey at Claflin proves anything, it’s this: Jarrett Matthews doesn’t just tell stories. He moves them forward.

“I love you all. I hope you all are doing amazing,” Matthews said. “Remember to love yourself -- and be kind to yourself.”