Christian Black

I only recently became aware of Christian Black. He was playing the role of a husband who had been missing and presumed dead in the comedy Artifice at Rover Dramawerks. I noticed right away that he was a skilled actor and had a presence that cannot be taught. Just this past weekend I saw Christian perform the leading role of Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone produced by The Hopeful Theatre Project. Brilliant is not a word I use often to describe a performance, but brilliant he was. Christian captivates his audiences. He is authentic and brings an approachable humanity to his characters. He is so “in the moment” that he makes scripted words sound as if they are his own thoughts. In talking to Christian after the show I also discovered that he is as humble and grateful as he is talented. Take a few moments to learn more about Christian Black and never miss an opportunity to see him perform.

When was your first time on stage?

 My unofficial first time onstage was in kindergarten. I played the "Fat Cat" in our production of The Little Red Hen. This was when my family and I were still living in Aurora, Illinois. My job was to be dramatic and fall out over the floor. It was the perfect fit. My first actual time onstage was in the 7th Grade, in my middle school's production of Monster Park in the Fall of 2006. I played Frankenstein, but with an upper-class British accent. Still one of my favorite memories. 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

 I think I always knew. I always loved performing. As a kid, I'd act out skits and recreate scenes from movies and TV shows all the time. I even had a binder worth of pretend shows (probably still at my parents' house) that I would cast myself in. When I reached middle school, and found theatre, I think it was then that it was solidified. Somehow, someway, this art had to be a part of my life. All these years later, that passion hasn't relented. I don't think it ever will. 

Who is your greatest mentor?

That I'm not related to? Jonette Dalfonzo. Without question. She was my middle school theatre director and took a kid that had too much energy for his own good and put him onstage. She taught me technique, gave me confidence, and provided me a sense of belonging. She ignited a fire within me that has burned ever since. Now, as a performer as well as a director and teacher, I still go to her for guidance. She's been that important. My mother is my greatest inspiration, though. We butt heads because we are exactly alike, but that woman loves me more than anyone I've ever known, including my wife. Her sacrifices have made me the man I am today. 

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

Tough. I'll split it into two categories. In a play, my favorite role I've done was in a romp of a farce called Move Over, Ms. Markham. I played Alistair Spenlow, the eccentric fashion designer. In a musical, it's the role I open here in a couple of weeks. "Jesus" in Godspell. It means a lot to me, personally. For obvious reasons. Check us out! August 19-28th at RCT. 

Do you have a dream role?

Oh, man. Several. Dr. Jekyll/Edward Hyde in Jekyll & Hyde, Othello in Othello, Aaron Burr in Hamilton. But I'd say the ultimate dream role for me right now is Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime. That show that message. It means the absolute world to me. I'd do anything to play that part! Well, almost anything. 

What person(s) would you like to share the stage with?

 I'd love to share the stage with Denzel Washington. It sounds cliche, but he is everything I feel like performing should be. I feel like I'd soak up information like a sponge just being around him. Viola Davis is a close second. I just really get inspired by brilliant black performers. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

Way too many to count. The greatest performances I've seen off the top of my head: Denzel in “Training Day,” Tom Hanks in “Forrest Gump,” Jamie Foxx in “Ray,” Will Smith in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Natalie Portman in “Black Swan,” Viola Davis in “Fences,” Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Most recently, Austin Butler in “Elvis.” Incredible. 

What are your career goals?

I have an awesome mix of being a middle school theatre director by day and actor by night as of now. I adore my kids. It's a great chapter for me in this season. Eventually, I want to earn my Masters in Acting, teach at the collegiate level, and ultimately, pursue acting/performance on a more full-time basis, as well as some more television/film. Big dreams. But I'm committed. I'd also love to explore the voiceover scene. I was a big video game fan coming up, so I think it would be cool to do some voices for those! 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I think it would surprise people that I really hate disappointing others. I'm pretty sure people who meet me assume I have confidence about everything and don't care what people think, but that's actually not true at all. I really want to deliver and exceed others' expectations of me, and it really upsets me when I fall short. It reminds me of that TikTok sound going around, "You don't have to like me...but I wish you would." Just trying to make people happy!