RACHEL CHRISTIANSON
Actor - Puppeteer
Thanks for checking out my online portfolio. I’m thrilled to be able to show you what sorts of projects I have been up to lately, and give you a glimpse of projects I have worked on in the past. Check out my site to see the work that really showcases what I do best. Questions? Get in touch with me today!
"Christianson displays deft characterization and remarkable comic timing."
Scotty Zacher (Chicago Theater Beat) on Recent Tragic Events
ACTING REEL
AND
PROJECT FOOTAGE
"Christianson’s [puppetry] is so adroit and believable that I completely forgot that I was watching a puppet and not a live actress portray Oates on stage: Christianson makes the puppet a credible and fully formed famous character who dominated the room during her scene."
Lawrence Riordan (Around the Town Chicago)
on Recent Tragic Events
HEADSHOTS
STAGE
I've had a flare for the dramatic since a young age. I've been fortunate to have opportunities in every city I've lived in. In Cincinnati I had the pleasure of working with D. Lynn Meyers at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. I also had the opportunity to work on the regional premiere of "Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson" with Eric Vosmeier at The KNOW Theatre. I also participated in multiple Fringe Festivals in Cincinnati. In Chicago I studied improv at Annoyance Theatre. I worked with multiple companies including Interrobang and New American Folk Theatre. Here in LA I just completed a run of "Masters of the Dark Realm" with Force of Nature Productions.  From comedies to musicals to puppets to dramas I love being able to connect with humans through being an actor and telling stories. A moment in time to share together this crazy existence we call life.
FILM
I love being on camera. Getting to work with a wonderful variety of directors from dramatic pieces like "Bury My Heart" that is currently on the festival circuit to comedy with "Conversations With Myself" that I co-wrote, co-produced and starred in. I also have experience doing Motion Capture and thrilled to be getting into the video gaming/ VO world. I love sharing stories and making art that helps us laugh and love ourselves a little bit more. Check out my reel and clips above along with my full resume!
PUPPETS
My puppet career really launched when I toured as a puppeteer for two years with a company called MadCap puppets. Following my time there I started building my own puppets for various projects and eventually launched my own business, The Puppet Mechanics, where I custom build puppets to order. As a puppeteer I have done a variety of shows, including at the International Puppet Festival in Chicago. I have designed and built puppets for the regional premiere of Hand To God at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago and directed Avenue Q with Highland Park Players. I have also taught puppetry to aspiring puppeteers young and old.
EDUCATION
I received my BS in theatre performance from the University of Evansville. After that life took me to Cincinnati for a few years during which I was part of the acting apprentice program at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. Although there were many other classes and studies since then, most recently I am thrilled to be studying at Krater Studios in Los Angeles.
PUPPETRY
"I still don't know why Oates — puppet or not — is in this play, but Christianson makes it rather charming."