Jeff Christian
instruction for the screen and stage
As a private audition coach, workshop leader and proud member of the faculty of both Columbia College and Roosevelt University, I derive great satisfaction from guiding my students toward discoveries and artistic success. Drawing from my years of professional on-camera and theatre experience as an actor, director and writer, my approach is process-oriented – creating an inclusive, respectful environment which fosters both analysis and exploration. Honored with The Excellence in Teaching Award by Columbia College, I am proud of the lasting connections forged with my students and am always excited to begin new working relationships.
Academic Employment
Columbia College Chicago, 2011 – present
Directing Instructor – Cinema and Television Arts, Adjunct Faculty
Courses taught: Cinema Directing II (6 credits), Directing I (6 credits), Advanced Casting Director (3 credits), Acting Techniques for Filmmakers (4 credits), Acting & Directing Workshop (3 credits), Fundamentals of Casting (1 credit).
Course co-created: Acting and Directing Workshop (3 credits)., Fundamentals of Casting (1 credit)
Committees: BFA Directing selection, Directing curriculum
Working with students in both the Directing and Producing concentrations, exploring the rudiments of directing, effective communication with actors, casting, creation of preproduction documents, collaboration with department heads, screenwriting, production and post-production — all in service of storytelling with a distinct directorial voice. Collaborating with faculty and students from different concentrations within and outside the department on multiple cinematic projects. Advising current and past students on their outside projects, and helping them chart their artistic and career growth. Serving on committees and providing critique for upper-level projects.
Faculty Advisor: Table Write screenwriting club
Certified provider: Mental Health First Aid USA
Award Winner, Excellence in Teaching Award, 2014; Finalist, Excellence in Teaching Award, 2013 (selection committee member 2015-present)
Roosevelt University, 2015 – present
Theatre Conservatory Instructor – Chicago College of the Performing Arts, Adjunct Faculty
Course taught: Rehearsal and Performance (3 credits).
Leading students through the process of auditions, rehearsals and performance — culminating in a public run of a mainstage or studio production. Providing dramaturgical material to students, and collaborating with design and production faculty to achieve a directorial vision.
Guest Lecturing
The University of Notre Dame, Film, Television and Theatre — transitioning to the professional world, 2019
The Harold Ramis Film School at The Second City— working with actors, 2016
Roosevelt University, theatre conservatory— substitute instructor for Camera Acting II, 2015-18
University of Illinois-Chicago, theatre — substitute instructor for Shakespeare acting, 2014
Northwestern University, theatre — audition techniques, 2013
Roosevelt University, theatre conservatory — acting Shakespeare, 2012
Northwestern University, film — professional experiences in film directing and acting, 2010
Syracuse University, theatre — the business of theatre, 2005
University of Wisconsin, theatre — the business of theatre, 2003
Barat College, theatre — stage combat workshops, 2002-3
Columbia College Chicago, theatre — scene study, 2001
University of Chicago, theatre — scene study, 1999
Private Audition Coaching and Workshops
Leading scene study, audition technique, voice, improvisation, stage combat and basic acting workshops for both students and working professionals under the aegis of such theaters as Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, New American Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre, The Shakespeare Project of Chicago and The Artistic Home. Working with dozens of private clients has resulted in network television and film roles, as well as offers from theatres such as Steppenwolf, Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Actors Theatre of Louisville and The Stratford Festival.