My name is Chris J. Abeyta, and I have been performing onstage in both professional and amateur theater since 2011. Even before that, I was entertaining crowds as a clown and working in various costume performances starting back in 2003. I am also a professional voice actor with several credited roles to my name. I play a great bad guy, and truly, what is a story without a good villain? I have a strong skill set for working with people of all ages, and I bring over 11 years of experience working with children from kindergarten through high school. I love what I do, and I cannot wait to work with you.
When it comes to directing, I would describe myself as very laid back. I believe that everyone has a talent inside them. How deep that talent runs varies from person to person, but with the right director, the right cast, and the right show, I truly believe everyone can shine. I bring energy to every cast I work with, encouraging actors to always push themselves to be better while keeping the environment positive and uplifting.
I was first inspired to pursue performing, and eventually directing, when I was just 8 years old. My family had just moved to the small city of Banning, California, a quiet town without much to do. One morning, I popped in my favorite VHS tape (Remember those?) of Lamb Chop’s Play-Along, hosted by the incredible ventriloquist Shari Lewis. That VHS meant the world to me, and if you ask, I can probably still sing all the songs from it, especially The Song That Doesn’t End!
Later that same morning, my parents were reading the local newspaper when they found a tiny advertisement for a children’s theater group that was forming. Reluctantly, I agreed to check it out. I figured it would be a one-and-done experience to make my parents happy. 
But, when I walked in, there were about four or five other kids sitting in front of a dusty old stage. A woman, with her back turned to us, was rummaging through her bag on stage. I sat down with the other kids, unsure what to expect. When she finally turned around, she was holding something that absolutely blew my mind... Lamb Chop.
Her name was Joey Mercado, and she was a professional Shari Lewis impersonator. From that moment on, I was hooked. I spent the next four years acting with her group, starring in some shows and helping with others. It was truly one of the greatest times of my life, Mrs. Joey worked and guided me, and gave a homesick child, a place where he could be comfortable to be himself.
Eventually, As all good thing do, This group came to an end. Joey had to move away, and I found myself searching for another theater home. Unfortunately, many places either demanded outrageous fees or cared more about résumés than raw talent. It was discouraging, but the itch to perform never left me. 8 years went by of searching, with no luck until one fateful day, I had had enough of the cliques of local theater, I was tired of not being able to afford to join different groups. I was fed up with what local theater had to offer. 
Then that day, out of pure boredom, I wrote down three simple words: "Spotlight Community Theater."
And the legend began.
I started Spotlight Community Theater meeting out of a small room at my church (Thank you, Pastor Keenan!) and began directing. I have grown a lot as a director over the past five years, but I have stuck to my core values: being approachable, providing a welcoming and affordable space for performers, and offering a chance for people of all experience levels to get involved with theater. We love to perform anywhere and everywhere that they'll have us! 
At the end of the day, I love this art form. I love working with new and experienced actors alike, helping them find their voice, their character, and their confidence. I am thrilled to continue growing our Spotlight family and to welcome new faces into our next adventure together.