A Bit About Me:

I grew up in a small town called Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. My parents frequently took my little sister and me to the city to see Broadway shows. As a kid, I loved anything that could make me laugh. I quickly fell in love with Robin Williams and Jim Carrey (aside from The Mask, my parents had to rush me out of the theater because I got scared)—I became obsessed with their joy for entertainment. According to my parents (despite their biases), I have always had a need to perform. To entertain. I was told I used to re-enact entire episodes of Blue’s Clues in the mirror of my preschool. I would watch Chitty Chitty Bang Bang until the DVD wore out.

For every show I’ve been a part of, and every performance I will be in, I am grateful. Performance and theater are sacred and holy tenants of humanity that I am grateful to uphold. I’ve always been fond of Elenora Duse’s idea of “The Grace.” It’s the actor’s allowing of the universe to flow through them free of ego—retelling the tales of our ancestors, as our ancestors did before us. Nietschze once said that “the essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.” I agree with both of their sentiments emphatically.

My mother and father each had a phrase they loved to repeat. My mother’s was, “We exist on this Earth to learn and to love.” My father always reminded me to “Be a leader, not a follower.” I strive to be a person and an actor who is always willing to learn, always open to love, and always someone who can be depended on. Whether it’s a quick joke with a few coworkers during a slow shift or on stage, covered in sweat in front of hundreds of people, I will always entertain. I will forever be in pursuit of bringing joy to those around me. It’s just who I am.

Connor Strycharz shot by Carlos David Photography