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ALUMNI STORIES: CHRIS CHAVEZ

CHRIS CHAVEZ

As a junior in High School, I auditioned for the summer musical at Fullerton College, The Music Man. That is when I met Gary Krinke and some of my closest friends, who are still in my life today. After graduating high school, I really wanted to pursue my dance career in NYC but my Father was very persistent on me going to college. So I chose Fullerton College.

I entered in 1980 and took some general education classes but mostly Theater classes, History of Theater with Bob Jensen, and all available Dance classes. I will never forget my Tap lessons with Virginia Bouchez , an amazing teacher . Still remember how much I enjoyed her lessons. I auditioned for "Rising Sound" , directed by Bill Brawley and that gave me the opportunity to make it into the Young Americans. I also performed in "Godspell " , directed by Gary Krinke and "Fiddler on the Roof" directed by Tom Blank . Some of my best memories. Also remember taking Music classes with Sheldon Disrud. So funny that I cannot recall hardly any of my general education academic courses. My whole 2 years were centered on Theater and Dance . I am grateful to have had some really great teachers who taught me the basics of Musical Theater and Acting and the great experiences in the college musicals gave me the beginning of my professional career as a Musical Theater performer/dancer. I loved the atmosphere of the campus and spending most of my days and nights there with my theater friends.

For all future students , my advice would be to try a Theater or Dance class even if you are not interested in the arts. I am sure it will be a positive experience and you are likely to make friends that will last a lifetime.

Thanks to Facebook , I have reconnected to Gary Krinke and Bob Jensen again after all these years. After leaving Fullerton College , I went on to pursue my career as a dancer at Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland , which led me to Japan , where I have resided for 23 years . I am now teaching Tap and Jazz at Senzoku College of Music in the Musical Theater Department.

I thank you .... Fullerton College!!

"Try a Theater or Dance class even if you are not interested in the arts. I am sure it will be a positive experience and you are likely to make friends that will last a lifetime."