Christian Aldridge
Christian Aldridge
Class Year
’16
Hometown
Huntley, Ill.
Major(s)
Theatre Performance and Music Theatre
Christian Aldridge came to Carthage because of the world-class theatre and music faculty. Now here, he can’t decide what he loves most about the school. “The people, the progress I’m making, and the level of confidence my training is giving me in terms of getting ready for the real world are all at the top of my list,” he said.
Only a sophomore, Christian has already been in a J-Term music theatre workshop, has been in two main stage productions with his third coming up, and will be performing in an original play written for Carthage by Jeffrey Hatcher.
After graduation he hopes to be a professional actor or vocalist on Broadway.
Career goal
“I want to make a living doing great theatre, whatever or wherever that means. Music will always be a part of my life, and I suppose my dream is to work in Chicago or New York, but I will go wherever great roles and great people take me.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“This is a difficult question. I owe so much to all of my professors, so its not really fair to pick just one. However, no one has been more instrumental in my vocal, professional, and personal progress than my voice coaches, Greg Berg and Corinne Ness.”
Favorite class
“One of the best classes I have ever taken was Voice for the Stage with John Maclay. He is such a fun and intelligent professor to work with, and made me open to Shakespeare even more than I already was. Plus, a new sonnet every week is a great way to get familiar with your voice and Shakespeare’s text.”
Campus involvement
“I am a part of the Carthage Choir, the Lincoln Chamber Singers, and the Carthage Neil-Futurists. I work in the theatrical scene shop, helping to build sets for our productions all year. I also perform in those productions, having participated in a growing list of eight theatre department main-stage productions, six music theatre workshops, and two theatrical style-intensive J-Term projects. I am also an active member of both Lambda Kappa and Alpha Psi Omega.”
Toughest class
“Absolutely my dance classes. They might not be ‘homework’ tough, but they absolutely push me to the brink of my abilities and, on occasion, sanity. I would be in such a weaker place as a performer today if I did not have the benefits of these classes.”
Opportunities at Carthage
“Choosing Carthage has given me so many opportunities. I work with world-class music professors. I constantly work on the things that I learn in class practically, on the stage. I have been a part of new theatrical works. I have travelled to Scotland and New York to study and perform. The list goes on, and I am still building on it!”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“I love spending time down by the lake when I need to clear my head, and I love getting visited by friends at my room in Denhart.”
Favorite spot on campus
“The outlook on the lake between Straz and Lentz. It’s always been a perfect place to watch the lake, and now there’s a patio out there!”
Biggest surprise so far
“I am most surprised by the amount of involvement I have had the opportunity for in my time here. Even when I got accepted, I had no idea that I would have so many chances to work on my craft.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“You can be a nerd, and be proud of it, and enjoy your whole life? THAT’S AWESOME. I wanna be like you when I grow up.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“If performing is what you love to do and you are willing to work, you are going to have the time of your life at Carthage. Seek help when you need it, and don’t ever give up.