These are the words of wisdom that Theater Professor Chris Boltz has for his students. In the dynamic world of theater, Boltz has learned a thing or two about success, experimentation, and performing -- and now, it’s his goal to pass on his experience to everyone who steps foot in his classroom. Boltz graduated from the USC School of Theatre with a Master's in Fine Arts, and he specializes in lighting design specifically. He spent the last four years teaching at COC, but he's spent time at a myriad of other institutions, including Cypress College, Fresno City College, and USC's high school outreach programs.

From the very beginning, he knew he wanted to be involved in the world of theater design. After receiving countless lighting design assignments from his professors over the years, however, he realized that he was bringing something new to the table -- something that no one else could. Here at COC, he teaches Stagecraft, Technical Theatre I and II, Script Analysis, and, of course, Lighting Design. In terms of students and rewarding moments in the classroom, Boltz shares that his favorite part of teaching is watching students experience their own “light bulb moments.” "It's when a student suddenly realizes the knowledge and skills that they have, and they can apply those skills in a new, unique, and creative way," he says.

Outside of the theatre scene, Boltz's life is equally as dynamic and exciting. On the weekends, he spends his time training for marathons and songwriting at the piano. This hobby goes hand in hand with his desire to one day learn how to play every musical instrument out there. Outside of running, swimming, and composing, Boltz lists one of his bucket list goals as wanting to visit every Disney theme park in the world. However, it can be argued that for someone like him, the happiest place on earth is sitting in front of a piano or behind the scenes of a production. “Working in the entertainment industry brings new challenges every day,” he shares. “We’re always trying to find new ways to tell stories to an audience, and it all depends on us working as a team to create the best experience possible.”