Christopher Young – (Actor, Educator, Marketing/Publicity Manager for CSC)

“The education, opportunities and relationships that Centenary University provided were nothing short of invaluable and career shaping.  While attending Centenary University I had the opportunity to work directly with the professional Centenary Stage Company, performing alongside industry professionals, receiving my Equity Membership Candidacy and earning points toward my Equity card.  Having the professional Centenary Stage Company in residency at Centenary University in itself provides an unparalleled advantage to other universities because it allowed me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a professional environment, to hone a sharp work ethic, to network with leading industry professionals and develop craft in a hands-on manner, all under the guidance of a first rate faculty and professional staff.

I went on to receive my M.F.A. from the Professional Actor Training Program at Ohio University – this opportunity was a direct result of my time spent at Centenary University, my relationship with Carl Wallnau (Artistic Director of Centenary Stage Company and Chair of the Fine Arts Department for Centenary University) and his connection with the head of performance at Ohio University, Shelley Delaney.  Centenary University truly provided me with the tools necessary to “survive” graduate school.  While at Ohio University, I was allotted the opportunity to explore the craft of acting in an incredibly rigorous and specific way. In addition to the training there were a host of performance opportunities. This included work with The Monomoy Theater in Cape Cod Massachusetts, The Oxford Shakespeare Festival in Oxford Mississippi and Valley Young Company in New Brunswick Canada. I was also fortunate enough to teach classes to both major & non-major undergraduate students at OU – igniting a love for teaching that has followed me into my professional world.  Attending Ohio University and pursuing my masters was perhaps the single best decision of my life and it was made entirely possible because of Carl Wallnau and Centenary University.

I am now a member of Actor’s Equity Association and continue to work throughout NJ & New York. I have worked at such theatres as Centenary Stage Company, 12 Miles West, Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Alliance Repertory Theatre, Midtown Direct Rep. (New Jersey) and with Vampire Cowboys (NYC) to name a few.  Film credits include; My Dad and Bob Todd (post-production), Hunter’s Weekend (post-production), Hotel (winner Best Actor, Atlantic City Cinefest; nominated Best Actor Brightside Tavern Shorts Fest & Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival, now streaming on Amazon Prime), Star Crossed Lovers and web-series Jess Archer Versus (Ep. 3 – streaming on Amazon Prime).

I currently serve as the Marketing/Publicity Manager for Centenary Stage Company and as an adjunct instructor for both Centenary University and Kean University – which has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  I feel so fortunate to be able to give back to the very program that gave me so much. Centenary University truly laid the foundation for my future and is directly responsible for the opportunities I experienced and continue to experience.”

Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, where she frequently works, to work on three productions this season: Tartuffe, Titus Andronicus, and Buried Child.