Today, we’d like to introduce you to Zach Christensen.
Hi Zach, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a theatre artist born and based in Minneapolis, raised in a middle class family as an only child. My dad worked blue collar while my mom was and is a visual artist. While my discipline in theatre came in the latter of my upbringing, I was always surrounded by the arts.
I grew up with an ambitious and creative imagination, yet I found myself focused on athletics for most of my youth. I didn’t start making theatre until I was 18, towards the end of high school. I found a passion for the craft that has transitioned into a life and career dedicated to creating and sharing stories.
I graduated from North Dakota State University in 2020 with a BFA in Theatre Performance. Since then, I have been able to work on memorable productions at the Guthrie Theater, Theater Latté Da, and through the theatre company I founded in 2022, Jackdonkey Productions. A theatre dedicated to working-class stories told through the lenses of experimental, absurd, and surreal theatre.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road always moves in different directions, and part of the fun is figuring out how to smoothen it. I have faced enormous obstacles throughout my life, particularly in my teens and 20s, learning through them.
I am grateful to always rely on the arts and the arts community, which cares so much about their various practices. Whether it be who I collaborate with in the room or share the work with by the end of an undertaking, I continue to be inspired by the hustle of it all.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am a theatre artist who performs, directs, and produces theatre productions across the Twin Cities and beyond. I have had the opportunity to work in these capacities at various theatre companies, and I am also the founding artistic director of Jackdonkey Productions. Our first official production was a devised show that we were invited to tour in St. Louis, Missouri, after a run in Minneapolis during the summer of 2022.
Aside from my work in theatre, I also have a thorough background in education and film. There isn’t a time of the year when I am not heavily involved in a project, and I could never see myself not actively working on one. I believe every artist has individual and unique qualities that set them apart to contribute to a larger community, and believe more is served in letting that work speak for itself.
Any big plans?
In the short term, I look forward to run of THE HISTORY PLAYS in rotating repertory at the Guthrie Theater in April and May. This is my first time working at the Guthrie, and have been lucky enough to be surrounded by a group of incredible artists. This makes it all the more exciting of a project to contribute to.
Coming up this summer, I will direct a production of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (abridged) at the Phoenix Theater as a recipient of the 2024 Minnesota State Arts Board Creative Individuals Grant. Immediately following, I’ll direct a production of THE DUMB WAITER at Open Eye Theatre as part of the 2024 Minnesota Fringe Festival. Two very different, and brilliant stories that will rehearse simultaneously, keeping the summer busy.
In the long term, I plan on continuing my work with other theaters and independently, eventually pursuing an MFA. The work and field move fast. Plans, small and big, seem to present themselves exactly when they are needed! Thank you for the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zachchristensen.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/zach_christensen_/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/zach.christensen.165
