by Lorie Lewis Ham

KRL has always enjoyed shining the spotlight on local creators—whether they are singers, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, artists, writers, or actors. This week we are chatting with local actor Chris Giese who has been seen on the stage with Reedley’s River City Theatre Co. many times, as well as at Hobb’s Grove every Halloween, and in several indie movies. Born in Dinuba, Chris now lives in Fresno.

KRL: When did you first get involved in acting and why?

Chris: I first got involved in acting in theater in 2010. I had previously no interest in theater. I had no interest in seeing shows and never thought of acting in one until I saw the daughter of a friend of mine act in Music Man at the Reedley Opera House. I enjoyed the show and the venue.

KRL: Wow that’s amazing I had no idea. What was your first part?

Chris: My friend kept suggesting that I audition for a show sometime. So, I did, and was cast in a role and my whole attitude towards theater changed. My first role in theater was at the Reedley Opera House with Reedley’s River Theatre Company in one of Mark Norwood’s original plays, Fanny’s Up!. I played Imogene and her husband counterpart (I forget the husband’s name).

KRL: How many shows have you done there?

Chris: I’ve been in 20 shows, I think, there may be more but it’s hard to keep track. Some of the shows I’ve been in and the parts I’ve played are: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as Hysterium, Guys and Dolls as Lt. Brannigan, Les Misérables as 9 different ensemble characters, and Of Mice and Men as Slim. All of those shows were at the Reedley Opera House with River City’s Theatre Company.

KRL: When did you first start acting in indie movies-why and how did that come about?

Chris: I first started acting in indie movies in 2003. A movie was being filmed at Hobb’s Grove and told I the producer I wanted to be in the movie. So, I did a reading and was cast with a small part as the deputy sheriff.

KRL: What was the name of the first movie you were in?

Chris: Dark Walker filmed at Hobb’s Grove was the first movie I was in where I played the deputy sheriff. And my first line was “Hey! I found a finger!”. LOL!

KRL: How many movies have you been in? Are they all local?

Chris: I’ve been in 10 movies, most of them filmed locally, but a couple were filmed in the L.A. area.

KRL: Do you have a favorite type of show and movie to be in?

Chris: My favorite type of show to be in is comedy but I do like the challenge of a serious role. My favorite movies to be in are horror or suspense, mostly because those are the only type of movies I’ve been in.

KRL: What do you like best about acting on stage? And in a movie?

Chris: What I like best about acting on stage is performing in front of a live audience and getting their instant reaction to the show. What I like best about acting in a movie is being able to see the movie after it is completed which you don’t get to do in live theater.

KRL: What is the hardest?

Chris: I think being in theater is hardest because of the time commitment with rehearsals and performances. And once the show starts, there are no retakes.

KRL: Future goals and dreams?

Chris: My future goals and dreams as far as acting is concerned is to have fun and enjoy myself. If I make a little money as a result, I consider that a bonus.

KRL: What are you working on now?

Chris: Currently, I am working on a role in a western/horror movie called A Blood Moon Rising. It’s my first “western” and I’m enjoying dressing up and acting like a cowboy.

KRL: Heroes?

Chris: I really don’t consider anyone a “hero” in my life or career. I have people that I respect and love and admire such as my parents. And of course, Mark and Denise Norwood for cultivating my talents in theater, and Lore Callahan for giving me the nudge to do live theater and the opportunity to be creative at Hobb’s Grove.

KRL: What do you feel has helped you the most in growing as an actor?

Chris: I feel what has helped me the most in growing as an actor is my experience performing in live theater.

KRL: What advice would you have for someone wanting to get into acting?

Chris: My advice to anyone wanting to get into acting is to get involved in live theater. You can find those opportunities in your local community and at school.

KRL: Any funny and/or inspirational stories to share?

Chris: Funny or inspirational stories? It’s hard to pick just one. Being involved in a close nit group of people in theater or films brings many fun and inspiring moments in life. I know I really enjoyed performing as Slim in Of Mice and Men. It was my first serious role in theater. There was one night performing in front of a sold-out crowd, when the character Carlson is complaining about Curly’s old, smelly, and useless dog. So, Carlson says, “why don’t you shoot him?”. And right then, as if on que, the dog on stage sighs and lays down at Curly’s feet. The moment was perfect! As far as inspirational, I guess I could mention being at a couple of red-carpet movie premieres at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. That was pretty cool.

KRL: What is your dream role?

Chris: My dream role? I can honestly say that I’ve never really thought about that. I know I enjoy roles where I can evoke true emotion from the audience, whether it be laughter or tears or even anger sometimes. If I can make people feel, through performance, I think that is a satisfying testimony to my abilities and hard work.

KRL: Current day job?

Chris: My current day job is working as a Realtor with London Properties now in my 20th year. I also work seasonally at Hobb’s Grove for our Halloween event and other special events, now in our 25th year of operations.

KRL: Is it hard balancing a job and acting?

Chris: It can sometimes be challenging finding a balance between my job and acting, but being a Realtor, I don’t have to punch a clock which allows me to make my own schedule.

KRL: Hobbies?

Chris: I like to travel, and I love the outdoors. I love going to places I’ve never been and enjoy this world’s people, places and things and of course, God’s Creations.

KRL: I know another type of acting you do is in being Billybob Hobb at Hobb’s Grove. How did that come about and how long as that been going on?

Chris: Yes, I “act” as Billybob at Hobb’s Grove. Billybob came to be when Hobb’s Grove first opened in 1999. The owner, Lore Callahan, acquired a couple of old travel trailers and wanted to make a ‘trailer trash” scene on the hayride. So, I created a character to fit that scene. Since then, Billybob has grown in popularity and now entertains the customers as a queue line character during October, he appears on TV to promote the event and also has his own pumpkin patch where he educates and entertains school children about the life cycle of a pumpkin.

KRL: How does that compare to your other acting?

Chris: Being Billybob is a different kind of acting compared to theater and movies in that it is all, or mostly improvised. So, it’s all my original material and creation. I’ve been Billybob for so long, sometimes the line gets blurred between Chris and Billybob. Especially during October. LOL!

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Chris: If anyone wants to get involved in acting, I’d say, do it if you enjoy it. There are many opportunities out there for everyone, but your heart has to be in it. If you are doing it only because you want fame and fortune, you’re doing it for the wrong reason. Most people will never experience fame or fortune, even if they are really, really good at it. For me, doing something that I really enjoy makes me fortunate and my life full of wonderful friends and memories – and that is true wealth!

Check out more local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. And don’t miss out on Mysteryrat’s Maze Podcast where we feature mystery stories read by local actors!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery novel, One of Us, is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre!<