By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)

It is my honor to introduce you to Christine McBurney. Christine is currently performing in the Acting Ensemble of Lady Macbeth of Mtsenskat The Metropolitan Opera. Christine has also performed regionally with the Cleveland Playhouse in their productions of Liebling (Hanna), Antigone (u/s Creon), The Seagull (Cook), and The Dream Play (Ensemble). She has also performed with Equality Theatre, Mamai Theatre Company, Ohio City Theatre Project, Cleveland Public Theatre, and the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival, and has appeared in shows on Hulu, Netflix, and CBS, just to name a few.

Christine holds a BA in Comparative Literature and Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Acting from Kent State University. She is also a member of SAG-AFTRA, AEA-EMC, and SDC (Stage Directors & Choreographers Society). Christine's talent is endless and is a reminder that it is never too late to go after something that you are passionately drawn to. I am very honored to have the chance to feature a true gem of a human being.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?

I remember singing and dancing to songs from Shirley Temple movies and doing Mae West impressions for the old ladies who sat on the stoop and hung out of the windows in Brooklyn. I must've been about 4 years old. How I knew who Mae West was is a question for my mother, but I loved making the ladies smile.

Where did you study and do you have any mentors that truly helped you become the wonderful performer you are today?

That's very kind of you. I earned a BA in Comparative Literature (Drama) at Columbia University and got my MFA in Acting at Kent State University. Mentors, yes. Lenny Pinna, a former KSU professor and now friend, took me under his wing and helped me become an actor. My background was in theory and lit and he showed me how to put theory into practice. And James Thornton, a former colleague from my years as a theatre/film teacher. He taught me how to teach which only made me a better performer.

Congratulations on Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk at The Metropolitan Opera. How has the process been for you at The Met?

Intense! I actually upped my personal training routine before we began rehearsal. I knew it was going to be physically demanding, so I made sure I was working on everything that needs to be worked on when you're a performer of a certain age. I almost didn't go to the audition and told Ron afterward, I was just grateful for a 2-day masterclass. I haven't been on stage in a few years. I had been directing more than acting before the pandemic so when it happened, I pivoted to on-camera acting and booked some network TV and then all of a sudden, here I am at the Met! Everyone is so kind and helpful. It is an incredibly well-oiled machine and I am in awe of the visionary artists and technicians who make it all work. I'm very grateful for the growth and experience.

Are there any shows or moments in your career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart?

When I was non-union, I had a featured extra role on The Chair on Netflix. I played an English professor in the faculty meeting episodes. To sit in a room and watch Sandra Oh, Bob Balaban, Nanah Mensah, Holland Taylor, and Amanda Peet work, was another masterclass. I learned to do less on camera (as compared to theatre). Even though I didn't speak, I got some serious face time in two episodes.

What advice would you give any performer wanting a career in the performing arts?

It's never too late. I moved back to New York City in my 50s and in the middle of a pandemic. Life is short. There are enough people pushing paper but do have a flexible jobs. Understand that as an actor you are a small business person. There is room for everyone, so really, why not you?

Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk opens on September 29th and runs until October 21st. For more information, please visit - https://www.metopera.org; To learn more about Christine, make sure you visit her official website at - https://www.christinemcburney.com

Christine McBurney is Here to Remind You that it is NEVER Too Late!

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