Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Mcknight.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I haven’t always been a performer. I didn’t go to college for theatre or acting, I was never in the school musical, and as a matter of fact, I had severe stage fright as a kid. What I knew about myself, though, was that I loved music. I get that from my parents. They raised my brothers and I in a very musical environment, and were always encouraging us to pursue the arts. I grew up singing, I just never wanted anyone else to hear me do it; I wanted to keep it for myself. But after years of dipping my toe into the performance world and stirring my interest in the entertainment industry in a handful of different ways (five years of middle and high school band, seven or eight years of helping lead worship in church, five years of high school and college choir, a degree in film & television analysis where I developed a love of storytelling) I decided to pursue a career in theatre at the age of 24. And obviously getting started without training or experience wasn’t easy, and approaching a new skill that you’ve never tried before and saying “I’m going to learn by doing!” is always going to feel daunting. From the minute I started, though, I’ve found myself crossing paths with some of the most incredible people who have given me some of the best advice and shown me incredible tips and tricks to navigate this wild industry. Here I am eight years later so very grateful for the successes I’ve had, the accomplishments I’ve made, and the experiences I’ve been through to this point.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have only been a couple struggles, the largest of which being getting started without training or experience, like I mentioned before. Obviously when that’s the challenge ahead of you, it can put you at the bottom of the ladder with a long way to climb. And obviously that’s not specific to the performance industry, it exists in every industry; it just takes time to find your footing and your door into what you’re searching for. So it took a while before I started receiving callback invitations after initial auditions, but in the 7 or 8 years that it felt like I was making very little headway, I was able to build up my persistence and determination to keep going after what I wanted; what I truly believe I was meant to do and have a gift and passion for.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a performer in the city’s theatre community, and I specialize in musical theatre and puppetry. I’ve performed in several shows around town with several theatres like The Center for Puppetry Arts, The Alliance Theatre, Aurora Theatre, and The Atlanta Opera, among others. I’ve done tons of things to be proud of: putting on a SE Regional Premiere musical for its Tony Award Winning creator (and getting his gratitude & approval), performing with the Sesame Street characters that I grew up loving as a kid, getting to swing into one of my favorite shows as an understudy for a dream role of mine, etc. But I also do a lot of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) performances, so some of my proudest moments and memories are the smiles and enjoyment I see kids having when they engage with my shows and characters.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
In all things, just remember that it takes time, especially in this city! Atlanta loves its art, and there sometimes feels like a surplus of artists making it feel difficult to be seen and heard. If you’re persistent in your dreams and passion, it’ll come to you. “Take a breath, take a step, take a chance… take your time.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cadamck/
Image Credits
Ames Beckerman, Casey Gardner Ford
