Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris R. Chávez.
Hi Chris, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town in Northern New Mexico called Española, where I lived until I moved away for college. I then attended New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico (the lesser-known Vegas), where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance with a minor in Theatre. I have been a musician, playing violin, since a young age which would pave the way not only for my degree but or much of my life to date.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree, I made an attempt at getting a teaching certification, but once I started observing the classroom, I knew that teaching was not for me. Not longer after that, my vocal teacher at the time encouraged me to audition or graduate school at Arizona State University, where he had just received his Ph.D. I had not plans of going to graduate school but decided to audition anyhow. After about a month or so, I received an admission letter to ASU, which would prompt my move to Arizona in Fall of 2003. I then got my degree, a Masters in Vocal Performance/Musical Theatre, in 2005.
Since that time, I have been performing in various community theatres and, in the last few years, also started to direct in addition to acting/singing. Currently, I serve on the Advisory Board for United Colours of Arizona Theatres (UCAT – https://www.unitedcoloursaz.org/) who’s mission is a commitment “to strengthening Arizona’s fine arts community by advocating for diversity, inclusion, access to opportunity, and global awareness. Additionally, I also serve as Creative Director for Virtual Theater Lab, an experimental virtual (for now) theatre that was created as a response to the pandemic. A huge part of my personal mission revolves around advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to theatre. My hope is to help theatres to create and foster safe spaces for the BIPOC community as well as other underrepresented communities. Additionally, I would like to help theatres in becoming more representative of the communities they serve.
In addition to theatre, I also co-host a podcast called BSP: Believer Skeptic Podcast. We are an LGBTQ+ paranormal comedy podcast that has been around for the last four years. Me and my co-host tell all kinds of strange stories and then debate from both a believer and skeptic aspect. This has been a fun side project that has been a great way to keep the creativity going outside of theatre.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In my current personal mission, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Theatres have been quick to make anti-racist statements (especially after the murder of George Floyd), but few have made any true commitment or put actions to their words. Creating more diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces takes a commitment from all parties involved. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is necessary work that will be helpful not now but far into the future. Systemic racism is something that survives (and needs to change) in all industries, including theatre!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Although I have acted/sang for many years, now that I have been directing a few years, I really have found my niche. I have only directed five shows to date, so I’m still learning a lot. But, I feel that being on the stage prior to directing has given me a unique perspective from both an actor’s and director’s standpoint. That is why, as a director, I pride myself on being a collaborative director. I’m proud of everything I have done in theatre, but a huge highlight for me is when I directed Next to Normal for Arizona Regional Theatre in 2019. This show has (and will) always had a special place in my heart, so to be given the opportunity was a dream come true.
As a podcaster, my proudest moment would have to be when we were able to do our first live show two years ago. Now that the world is starting to open again, I hope this is something we can do again sometime soon.
Can you talk about how you think about risk?
Sometimes risks are necessary, as scary as they are. Most of the time, the fear of the outcome (or as I like to call it, “future anxiety”) is what holds many people, myself included, from taking such risks. But, in cases in which there is nothing to lose, there is absolutely no real reason to take a risk. As I like to say, there is only one way you’ll find out, by doing it!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.bspodphx.com/
- Instagram: crc0377 or BSPodPhx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSPodPhx
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bspodphx
Image Credits
Headshot by Nathanael Coe Next to Normal – original photo by JT Turner, poster created by Arizona Regional Theatre BSP original art by Rich Martinez (@VinylBear)
