4 1/2 Questions with Chris Gibson

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.  That’s four specific, getting-to-know questions from the PA On Stage team — and one partial question that our interviewees can ‘make their own.’

This week - Meet Chris Gibson – a self-described “theatrician,” the technical director at Open Stage in Harrisburg, PA, a musician, actor, and director.  He can soon be seen in Once, which runs April 22-May 8 at The Playhouse at Allenberry.

1. What piece of music can change your day – for good or for bad?

Music is such a huge passion for me. I don't think there's one piece in particular that stands out as a day changer, but rather that I use music daily to guide my moods. For instance - if I need an energy boost, I immediately turn to the Talking Heads, They Might be Giants or Punch Brothers. If I'm angry and need to blow off steam it's either Nirvana, Neutral Milk Hotel or Fugazi. For focus it's Charles Mingus, Bach, or LCD Soundsystem. For sexytimes, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, or Radiohead. 

2. If you could pick one superpower for yourself, what would it be?

Charm. It's the one superpower that can get you whatever you want. You want to fly? Charm your way onto a private jet. You won't get cold or wet and you'll have zero bugs in your teeth.  Charm is a seriously underrated superpower. 

3. If you could pick anyone to tutor you in any activity for an afternoon, who and what would it be?

If I could get Chris "Critter" Eldrige of Punch Brothers to mentor me on the guitar - even for an hour - my life would be soooo good. Actually, this made me look him up and he does offer virtual lessons, so I'm going to do it. Thanks for improving my life. 

 4. Lots of people have a “comfort food.” Do you have a piece of “comfort clothes,” and if so – what is it?

I'm a hoodie enthusiast in general, but I have this one particular grey hoodie that I've worn for YEARS. It's threadbare, full of holes and riddled with paint stains and sawdust no matter how often it's cleaned. It's worthless in the winter, but for most of the rest of the year it's on me. I'm wearing it right now. 

½ When was the last time…

—- I did something that scared the sh*t out of me?. I'm doing it right now. I took on a role in Keystone Theatrical’s production of the musical Once. I'm playing guitar and singing onstage with people who are real musicians and singers. I am the weakest link and it is alternately terrifying and exhilarating. This process is teaching me so much and forcing me to face my biggest fears. It is filling my soul as it fills my pants. Should be a good time - come see us!

For more information about Once, click the link below.