Chris Bolan has been in Catskill, N.Y. a lot lately, getting to know residents, business owners and community leaders as well as sharing with them some details of our plans.
As Community Relations Manager, Chris is LUMBERYARD’s on-the-ground contact in Catskill, N.Y. while our transformation into a performing arts facility is getting underway.
If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll have a chance to meet Chris soon.
A bit about him…
Q: What are some details of your career and life that Catskill, N.Y. residents might be interested to know more about?
A: Oh, wow! Hmm.
Well, I was raised in a small town much like Catskill, N.Y. in rural Alberta, Canada. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the feeling of sitting on that plane to New York City from small town Canada to begin rehearsals on Broadway.
Some career highlights include me landing a principal role in Mamma Mia! Broadway is also where I met my beautiful wife, so Mamma Mia! changed my life on a number of levels.
Meeting Benny and Bjorn from ABBA was also a big one for me. I grew up listening to my mother play ABBA Gold over, and over, and over again, so it was a strange “full circle” event for me.
Q: What else? Don’t be shy.
A: Another highlight? I’m told that I was the very first Canadian to have gotten his Master of Fine Art in Acting from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, so that was an honor.
Also, I’m currently directing my first feature length documentary film. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such an extraordinary team of people who are helping me bring this important film to life.
Q: We’ve often heard you mention your son. Tell us about him.
A: I have a beautiful son, Jackson, who will be three years old in July.
I’ve always heard of the “terrible twos” and my wife and I are now beginning to understand that turn of phrase.
He’s a great kid. We’re very fortunate.
Q: What has stood out to you so far about Catskill, N.Y. and its residents?
A: There is an incredibly open, generous spirit in Catskill, N.Y. I felt immediately welcome.
I’ve noticed an inspiring sense of pride, energy and enthusiasm among residents. Everyone I’ve met shares a belief that Catskill, N.Y. is on the brink of a Renaissance and that incredibly exciting developments are ahead.
And everyone here seems keen to build upon the essence of what makes Catskill, N.Y. unique — preserving Catskill, N.Y.’s ‘small town’ feel and offering something special and distinct from other cities, villages and towns.
I think the Lumberyard is going to fit right into that vision and help more people discover what a great town Catskill, N.Y. is.
