FPCT Spotlight - December 7, 2011

Chris Krysztofiak

 

What makes The Little Dog Laughed special?

Chris:  The natural sounding dialogue and the awkwardness in Alex, Mitch, and Ellen that is very real to life.

 

Why do you think people should come see The Little Dog Laughed?

Chris:  It is a relatively new play with an accessible experience. Most people can relate to the fear of being yourself and the process of figuring out what you really want in life and then actually doing it. 

 

What is fun or challenging about your role, and are you anything like your character?

Chris:  Being a heterosexual makes it difficult to engage in homosexual activity without feeling a bit uncomfortable. I mean, there is a level of joy, excitement, and pleasure that is present for me when I'm "with" a woman. With a man, it's the complete opposite, so there is an immense challenge present. As Diane puts it, "If a perceived straight actor portrays a gay role...it's noble. It's a stretch. It's the pretty lady putting on the fake nose..." The pretty lady hasn't had the experience the "ugly" lady has had. So, she has to find a way to relate to create a realistic performance. Now, as for Alex's sarcasm, I think I have that covered.

 

What has it been like working with the director, Steve?

Chris:  Steve is open to discussion, which is important to collaboratively carve out a great production.

 

When you aren't acting, what else do you do?

Chris:   I'm a member of The Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) and I aid them in whatever facet is possible. I also DJ and write music. 

 

What are the challenges of balancing acting with regular life?

Chris:  It's difficult to have stable relationships with people. I find that much of the time I miss out on activities with my friends and spending quality time with my girlfriend. Some people give up on you as a friend, and while it is saddening, I don't blame them. You can really get run down doing shows one after the next. It's quite a commitment in terms of hours put in and the emotional workout.

 

What is a favorite role you have had in the past?

Chris:  I can never pick favorites. They are all special in some way. Playing Benedon in Grundlehammer with the BROS was incredibly satisfying due to the enormous size and energy of the audiences in attendance. I also really enjoyed playing Flaco in Den of Thieves with Glass Mind Theatre because the character lived this all or nothing life, so the stakes were always really high. 

 

What is your dream role?

Chris:  Gary in Noises Off. 

 

What play would you like to see on the FPCT stage and why?

Chris:  Some Christopher Durang one-acts. The ones most people don't put on, or know about. Even Durang Durang would be good, but there are others that are just fantastic.

 

Who is your inspiration?

Chris:  George Carlin and Freddie Mercury. Both of these men were giants in their field and demanded freedom of expression in their art. They took huge risks without the concern of the damage it could have on their career. Carlin with his outspoken views on taboo subjects through the use of (and I use the word lightly) coarse language. Mercury for his diverse range of musical styles and the ability to fuse them with rock.


Any good stories about this production so far?

Chris:  Emma stole my script and wrote hilarious reactions to some of the sections of dialog as her character Ellen...then she blamed it on Tom. The look of shock on his face was priceless. 

 

What is the craziest thing you've ever had to do on stage?

Chris:   Battle THE GRUNDLE!!!!!! Seriously people, it was a huge 6 armed monster with the voice of Satan that used human body parts as magical musical instruments in order to murder innocent villagers to absorb their musical abilities.

 

What tips do you have for aspiring actors?

Chris:  If you think what you are doing on stage is foolish looking, it probably isn't. Keep pushing the boundaries until the director tells you to pull it back. 

 

What is on the horizon?

Chris:  A two month break, then a staged reading at Mobtown for playwright Erica Smith, and the next BROS production in the spring.

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