Christiôn Dior Draper

Christiôn Dior Draper is one of those performers who can best be described as a force of nature. Chris is blessed with a voice that can raise the rafters with soul stirring power one minute and be as smooth and tender as a kiss on the cheek the next. Chris received rave reviews for giving voice to Audrey II in Lyric Stage’s recent production of LIttle Shop of Horrors and for his unforgettable portrayal of Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in Lyric’s 2022 production of Ragtime. Chris is equally at home in musical theater and opera and has shared his gorgeous voice on the Dallas Opera stage. No matter the stage, Chris is a commanding presence and thrilling to watch and hear. Take a few moments to learn about the incredibly talented DFW star Christiôn Dior Draper.

When was your first time on stage?

PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME! My first time I took the stage was my 3rd grade talent show! I wore my red shorts with my orange, purple, and red matching shirt and I let everybody at Merrifield Elementary know what time it was. IT WAS PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME! I danced all the way to the floor on my back and then back up again! My Aunt Kera brought the dance home to us from FAMU. She showed us the moves and I was HOOKED! I couldn’t wait to show my VERY EXCLUSIVE choreography. Fun Fact: my younger sister also was in the competition and Won! I’ve never gotten over that lol jk… no I’m not.

 My first time Singing on a stage however was in 5th grade in choir. I got the chance to sing “Why Do Fools Rush In” by Elvis. Fun Fact: My mom told me my dad used to sing that exact same song! Rih Cornell Draper Jr

  When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

Transparency: This may come as a surprise but maybe up until about a year ago I never thought of myself as an actor. Acting had always been something I thought was cool, but never something I thought I was actually good at. I felt that because I sang well people would gloss over the fact I couldn’t act. “MISDIRECTION”. Then I met Sheilah Walker, who was the Music Director for Lyric Stage’s production of Ragtime. This was my 3rd time doing this role, so I was very familiar and I knew which riffs, runs, and option ups I was going to do, and she said “NO” TO EVERY SINGLE LAST ONE! I was flabbergasted and distressed. Her words were “Coalhouse wouldn’t do that. Stay true to the period.” Again, that flabbergastion and distressing came over me again. She stripped the tools that I hid behind. This forced me to delve deeper into the character and ACT, what I knew I could do vocally that would convey, I now had to ACT IT OUT. I could go on longer with that but honestly after that show, even though I didn’t get to show all my vocal abilities, I walked away with some fresh new tools.

So to answer the question I’ll have to say, now.  Special thanks to my wife, Melissa Draper, who helped me realize that I had a gift that just needed to be polished. She has encouraged me, supported me, and pushed me when I didn’t want to be pushed. I truly owe a lot of my confidence in acting to her. FIST BUMP!

  Who is your greatest mentor?

Honestly, this may shock him when he reads it, but Dr. Sam Germany of Family Music Theater-GIFCA. He was the first director to give me a leading role. Coalhouse Walker Jr- Ragtime 2012 FMT-GIFCA. I met Dr.G in 2011 and he was honestly the FIRST VOICE TEACHER/ COACH I’VE EVER HAD THAT REFUSED TO LET ME SLIDE BY ON JUST TALENT, he pushed me vocally to heights (TENOR HEIGHTS) that I never wanted (insider) nor saw possible and he was very unapologetic about it. haha! He not only challenged me vocally, but he also challenged me spiritually and ethically. His teachings, our bouts and so much beautiful music and theatre I appreciate and cherish. He even performed the ceremony at my wedding. Thank you for believing in me, pushing me, challenging me and investing in me. I won’t let this be in vain.

 What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

 I have 3 answers to this.

#1 Honestly, playing Audrey 2 in Lyric stages production of Little Shop of Horrors has been my favorite thus far to sing! SUCH GREAT FUN MUSIC!

 #2 Coalhouse Walker Jr in Ragtime holds so much sentimental value that I must say it’s my favorite as well. This was the 1st lead role I ever received, it was the most challenging for me to learn because there’s so much dialogue and music. I had to know everybody else’s part and it pushed me to actually become an actor. Fun Fact it’s also the show I met my wife in so WIN WIN!!!

 The 3rd and final one is John the Baptist /Judas in Godspell. This show was very challenging to me. I’d never played more than one role at a time. Not to mention but these 2 characters couldn’t be more different. TRANSPARENCY: I was geared up to do this show because I wanted to portray my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but instead they made me Judas! Like really! But it’s a very powerful show!

 Honorable mention: Daggoo in Moby Dick the Opera. This was my 1st actual role at The Dallas Opera! GORGEOUS MUSIC! GLORIOUS HARD MUSIC! I sat on stage the entire over 3 hour show EVERY NIGHT so I wouldn’t miss my cues and so I could soak in every moment.

  Do you have a dream role?

You probably see a pattern here. I actually have 3

I would love to play The Lion in The Wiz! Genie in Aladdin! Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd! I know FOR A FACT I would have ENTIRELY TOO MICH FUN in these roles. I want to put my spin or flavor or whatever we call it these days.

 CLOSE 2nds/ Honorable mentions: Otis in Ain’t Too Proud and Frollo in Hunchback!

 In Opera I have 2! Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni and Joseph in Dead Man Walking

 What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

 MY WIFE! Melissa Draper

Musical Theatre: Ramin Karimloo- He can SANG sang, Eva Noblezzada-She can SANG Sang, Titus Burgess, Beth Leavel, John Legend, Ellie Kemper, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Steve Harvey, Regina Hall, Leonardo DiCaprio (in a comedy), Seth Rogen, Kerri Washington

  What performances have you seen that impressed you?

 I have 2 The Watering Hole Collective’s production of Spring Awakening. The direction, the costuming, lighting, minimal set, musicianship, acting, choreography, the sensitivity with conveying this script. This show has stuck with me. Chefs kiss

 And Ain’t Too Proud touring cast. I wept after seeing this show. I grew up watching The Temptations movie just about every Sunday. So my familiarity with this movie had me going into this show with very HIGH expectations. I mentally noted what I felt MUST be in there for this show to even be remotely good. This production moved me to tears. It had EVERYTHING and more! I look forward to seeing it AGAIN AND HOPEFULLY STAR IN IT!! (Hint hint, nudge nudge)

 What are your career goals?

My goal is to be an E.G.O.T.! I want an Emmy. a Grammy. an Oscar, and a Tony! In whatever way I acquire them.

  What would people be surprised to learn about you?

 I am a TACO AND Track and Field FANATIC! And before my freshman year in high school, I was mostly known as a dancer.