4 1/2 Questions with Chris Ellis
At PA On Stage, we’re always trying to find out more about the people who make up the theatre community. So, we came up with our 4 1/2 Questions.
For those of you who haven’t been paying attention over the last few months, that’s 4 specific, getting-to-know questions from the PA On Stage team — and one partial question that our interviewees can ‘make their own.’
This week? 4 ½ Questions with actor and director Chris Ellis, who has been seen in theatres in New York and Pennsylvania, and will be appearing in Gamut Theatre’s Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Winter’s Tale, which opens this weekend.
1. What is something you disliked as a child, but learned to love as an adult?
Venturing into the great unknown is something I’ve learned to love as I’ve gotten older. I used to be the biggest fear fanatic and a huge momma’s boy!
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with staying close to family, but moving to NY for six years and now exploring Harrisburg has made me a braver individual. A more whole individual. I’m no longer the boy that stood on the wall as the kids danced and lived their most joyous moments. I take a leap of faith with each new endeavor knowing that come what may, I’ll be fortified by the journey.
I’ve met so many wonderful people along the way! So many people of grit and joy. The unknown is where I’ve grown the most! And laughed the most!
2. Name one fear you’ve managed to overcome?
I used to be afraid of the dark — but not anymore. Yoga has helped! But I mean Yoga helps all things!
I’ve done a lot of meditation and yoga and crystals and looking at the stars! Somethings will perhaps always cause a little fear like tightrope walking across skyscrapers or doing improv or dating but you just do especially if you really love it!
3. What is your current cell phone wallpaper?
My current cellphone wallpaper is my baby cat, Lily. My partner had a cat named Larry, and I prayed to Heavens for a little fur baby girl — and we found her on the side of his apartment building. I looked at her and she looked at me and she’s just my fur baby now.
4. Best unexpected travel experience?
Well I came to Harrisburg in February 2020 to perform in Angels in America for Open Stage and unexpectedly decided to stay. Now I’m performing as Camillo in Gamut’s Free Shakespeare in the Park in association with Narcisse Theater Company’s Production of The Winter’s Tale. I have the privilege of working with some of most talented and kind artists in Harrisburg. It’s a dream come true! And I consider myself very lucky!
And the 1/2 Question
What are two…
…of my favorite plays? Rhinoceros and The Bald Soprano by Eugène Ionesco! They were two of my first plays to perform and it taught me that as silly and absurd as I can be, there’s a place for me in the theater. Eleven years later, I’m still learning and loving each experience!
Click below to find out more about Gamut Theatre and Narcisse Theatre Company’s production of The Winter’s Tale.
