CETA HSTF 2019

Unfortunately, actors have no control over many elements nor factors of an audition and
casting. Yet, what can be controlled, is maximizing their moment. Through up-to-date
tips, strategies, advice, and true stories - actors will be be taught the “dos” and “don'ts”
for landing a callback.


Chris MacDonald is a young, professional theatre director and acting coach currently
working in Los Angeles. As the son of a multi-award winning playwright of a father, and
a professional ballerina for a mother - the performing arts was inevitably a pivotal part
of his upbringing. Growing up, he always participated in theatrical productions both in
and outside of school, as well as spent ten summers as a camper and counselor at Camp
Bravo, a performing arts summer camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. Chris holds
two Bachelor’s degrees, in Spanish and Theatre, from The Ohio Wesleyan University, a
private liberal arts college located in Columbus, Ohio. Following his studies, Chris lived
in New York City for three years where he worked for multiple renowned theatre
companies and artists. During his time, he was an intern and company member of the
acclaimed New Group Theatre Company, where he worked under the guidance of
director Scott Elliott for the Off-Broadway production of Mercury Fur, as well as a
directorial assistant for the world debut of Steve, directed by Cynthia Nixon.
Additionally, Chris directed multiple productions - both new and known works -
throughout many Off-Broadways houses, festivals, and even Graduate programs for
both PACE University and NYU Tisch. Chris has also had the great privilege of
continuously learning under and being mentored by Marshall Mason (TONY Lifetime
Achievement Award Winner ), and Jerry Dixon (current Artistic Director of The Village
Theatre).