We asked Chris how he has consistently created a variety of successful theater productions for over twenty-one years.
“We try to make every show entertaining, magical, and uplifting... Our company, since its inception, has always been based on high production values. And we hire professionals. Whether it’s in a 400-seat theater or a 100-seat theater, we make sure our audiences experience a show that has a live band, and is the highest-quality children’s theater with full blown costumes, props and scenery---- a seriously, cool-looking production. I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t going to blow your mind--- let’s put it that way.”
Pandemonium Productions Has Great Support
It takes about one-hundred rehearsal hours of Pandemonium after-school or summer theater classes for each production. Chris explained that the progression of each show starts with the script. His job is to take the story of each show from “page to stage”. He said he and his staff strive to make the show work for everyone, from the youngest student, (age 7), to the oldest student, (age 17).
Chris went on to speak fondly about his Pandemonium staff and the people in the community who have supported his vision over the years.
“When you have a good team, you literally read each other’s minds, and that is so beneficial. They just know what has to be done to make a production work.”
Chris has been friends with Pandemonium’s Musical Director, Cora Harms, for over 30 years. She has been with Pandemonium for over twelve years. Pandemonium’s current choreographer, Diana Orozco-Garrett, has been on staff for six seasons. Vanessa Medina has been behind the scenes for fifteen years coordinating concessions, and as the head Pandemonium “hair and make-up lady”.
We asked Chris if there were qualities he looks for in the students who want to join Pandemonium.
“...It's in our mission statement that we don’t deny any student. Anybody who is willing to take the chance to do this, would turn out to be fantastic. And if they are super shy, we can turn them into a butterfly.”
In addition to acting, singing and dancing, Pandemonium students learn valuable life skills which have helped many better navigate in their adult lives. Recently, a former Pandemonium student called Chris and thanked him for modelling perseverance, and for teaching him to creatively figure out solutions to problems.
Chris cited the many educational benefits of theater classes and how students develop positive characteristics performing in a live-theater production. He said when he guides his students through the sequence of creating a theater production, students practice the most positive aspects of teamwork and collaboration. Along with developing critical thinking, and honing cooperation, his students make great friends and form deep, long-lasting relationships because of their shared theater experiences.
Chris told us being part of a show also improves concentration, develops imagination, and increases coordination. He ventured to say theater classes far surpass putting those qualities into practice, possibly even more so, than when children participate in sports activities.
“It is so much more difficult to get on stage and act and sing and dance--- live, in front of an audience. It takes so many more facets of learning. There are so many (educational) elements in theater... beyond learning lines, learning the dances, remembering cues, putting on your costume, putting away your costume... Another good word is “trust”. You have to trust each other in theater.
There’s nothing like live theater. I tell the students, the audience is counting on you, everybody is counting on you. That’s the most important thing... it is all about teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration... working together to reach a common goal.”
Set from "High School Musical" 2023
Chris designs and builds the sets, and creates the props for all his shows. He excitedly shared,
“Somewhere in the director’s mind there is a picture... and I always tell people, if it can look like HALF of what I can see in my mind, it will be fantastic!”
When we asked him what the role of a Pandemonium parent is, Chris said,
“Yes, the parents play a critical role, and sometimes we recruit parents with special skills to help, like with costumes, but really, they already play their part because they pay the tuition and buy tickets...”
In fact, Chris told us some students are secretive about what they are working on in their theater classes, until it is time to perform. He said, some parents don’t really know what to expect. When they see their children perform on stage, they are totally surprised. Many are amazed, especially if their child is usually shy.
“They ask me, how did you do this? We just say, magic. It’s live theater magic. I say, it’s not me, it’s your children...
That’s the best part, the parents can come at the end of the semester and watch this beauty unfold before their eyes.”
Chris speaks with pure enthusiasm describing live theater as a cathartic, empathetic, and handcrafted art. He says his Pandemonium students inspire him.
“If we can guide children to finding their passion... that’s why we’re here.
You see the little smile, the glimmer in their eyes, and you know they’ve got it...
We’ve just got to ignite their passion, give them an outlet, and let them find their way... let them try... and they do...in a safe and meaningful way.”
-Darlene M. Romero
Contact Chris Leslie for information about the Summer 2024 Musical Theater Classes:
Photo of Chris at Rehearsal
"It's all about teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration... working together to reach a common goal."-Chris Leslie
Photo from "Newsies" Fall 2018
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