Our Modern Day Frederic –Chris Sizemore

Encore: What was the first production you were ever in and what part did you play?

Chris: My first show ever was Snoopy and I auditioned and they had cast everything else but didn’t want to leave me out so they added the Role of Pig Pen for me. I basically was in the scenes and rolled around in a dirt pile before each show for my costume.

Encore: Did you study theater or music in college?

Chris: I did not I graduated from Marshall University with a BA in Marketing.

Encore: If not, how did your college experience prepare you for this career?

Chris: Marketing most of the time leads you into a career of sales and my sales background has helped me in theatre, because if you think about it when you audition you are selling yourself to the director. You also may have to speak in front of big crowds so that definitely helped with theatre and vice versa.

Encore: You were first nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in 2009 for your role in Les Miserables. Were you surprised?

Chris: I actually was because I thought the nomination was for another show and part I had performed earlier that year. Ha that sounds bad but yes it was a pleasant surprise. My friend actually called me and told me before I had even found out.

Encore: So many people aspire to become actors, do you have any advice for someone who is interested in pursuing a career as an actor?

Chris: I always answer this question the same way…Persistence. That, I believe is the key, because there is a lot of rejection in this business and you have to be able to get past it and keep going.

Encore: What is your favorite role and why?

Chris: Enjorals in Les Miserables was obviously great, but I would have to say Edward Rutledge in 1776. It is such a well written role…the passion, conviction, southern gentleman, and just plain fun who sings one of the most real, dark and in your face songs ever written in musical theatre.

Encore: What was your first thought when you were approached about the role of Frederic? Were you a fan of the show before you signed on?

Chris: I had done one other Gilbert & Sullivan show before and loved it. I was not familiar with this show, but one of my best friends Evan Hoffmann was directing and I was told I would get to play opposite of another great friend of mine Erin Driscoll/Gardiner and I was like “ABSOLUTELY.” Plus I was excited to work with Encore and help out with this production.

Encore: In what ways are you and Frederic alike and different?

Chris: Oh wow…I appreciate his sense of loyalty aka “duty” as in the show. I try to be as loyal as I can with my friends and family. He is also a passionate individual, which I can be passionate about many things as well. I don’t believe I’m as naive as he is, I truly hope not hahaha.

Encore: What did you have to do to prepare for the role of Frederic?

Chris: It’s very classical singing, which was my main focus of training, but I did have to step back into that feel for my voice. Much musical theatre these days is very contemporary, so you have to be able to manipulate your voice to be able to sing the many different genres. Also since we are singing to tracked music and not with a live orchestra, you really have to be on point with your music. There is no room for error when singing with a track. With an orchestra you have some ability to “feel” the music and know the orchestra will follow, with a track you don’t have that luxury. We had a great Music Director in Doug which helped with that. PLUS I found out the stamina of 33yr old Chris is not the same as 23yr old Chris hahahaha. This role is physically demanding, so I had to and still am finding places to catch my breathe.

Encore: Do you see yourself in the DC Metropolitan area for the foreseeable future or do you have aspirations of performing elsewhere?