Christian began acting when his mother enrolled him in theatre his eighth grade year of school. She was worried that he might never find a subject that would keep his interest enough to stay in school. Initially he was apprehensive, he quickly found that it was a way for a quirky kid to be able to express himself. From that point on theatre became a passion.
Circa 1990
He quickly took off in high school and had many wonderful parts while attending there, and continued to flourish as an actor as well as hone his craft. It was also through the help of caring theatre teachers and counselors, that worked with him to help him stay in school and in 1997, Christian graduated with a high school diploma.
But theatre didn’t end there…
After serving a two year LDS mission to Salt Lake City, Utah, Christian decided to attend college. He enrolled at, then, Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He happened to be at the right place at the right time days before school even started. He was walking through the halls of the theatre building and noticed that they were in need of men for The Pirates of Penzance. The musical director happened to be there that day. He sang a few bars for her, and she recommended him to the director, who decided to take a risk. It was a wildly successful show on campus, and led to other parts as well.
Something's Afoot
Ricks college made the transition from a two year school the following semester, to become Brigham Young University – Idaho. With the change of name, came the change to a four year institution of higher education. Christian enjoyed his experience while at BYU-I, and once again, theatre was his saving grace. With every new production he continued to understand the importance of theatre. It became more of a selfless art, and less of a selfish art.
Though Christian never landed a lead role while in school, he was able to play many wonderful character roles, which led to him winning three different character actor awards in Somethings Afoot, Over the River and Through the Woods, and The School for Scandal.
Comic Frenzy
In addition to his theatrical work in college, Christian was also one of the original members of the improvisational troupe Comic Frenzy, which started out as more of an after school club, to becoming one of
the hottest events on campus. The troupe began selling out to smaller houses in the black box theatre to selling out thousand seat shows on the main stage. Where theatre is a staple in Christian’s life, improvisational acting has become a craft just as important.
While in school, Christian was also involved in speech and debate (forensics) while at BYU-I, and went on to win two national Phi Rho Pi medals for his comedic and dramatic interpretations. He also studied Communications and Theatre.
After leaving BYU-Idaho, Christian ventured to New York City and briefly studied with the renowned improvisational troupe, The Upright Citizens Brigade. This, of course, furthered his passion for performing and improvisation, and solidified his belief of how important improvisation is in the art of acting.
Christian recently ended a nine month national tour with the Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, playing the odd but lovable character, William Barfee. While on tour he made wonderful friends and truly found that creating and maintaining a character is an ongoing process (even after 212 performances).
Guys and Dolls
Christian continues to perform throughout the U.S. and is so grateful for all the many opportunities. 