Christopher Shonka

Chris recently received a PhD in Theatre from the University of Colorado, Boulder.  His areas of academic focus are in history plays that have new historical perspectives, the history plays of Michael Frayn and Tom Stoppard, and the role of 1820’s theatre in establishing the sociopolitical identity of the United States.  While at CU Chris directed productions of Richard Dresser’s Below the Belt and Paul Weitz’s Roulette, and has co-directed two productions at Creighton University since returning to Omaha.  Chris taught at the University of Colorado, Boulder and at Temple University, where he also received an MFA in Acting.  During a brief stint in New York he appeared in soap operas as bartenders and Irishmen.  Most recently he performed in a production of Tuesdays with Morrie at the Omaha Community Playhouse and has been writing historical drama in his spare time.