In the darkened UNCG Auditorium, a single spotlight shines on Christian Lowray Bartney (BFA Drama: Musical Theatre) as he begins to sing, “What do you do when you’ve done all you can?” from the gospel song Stand by Donnie McClurkin. Bartney’s performance is part of the School of Theatre Industry Showcase reel, and he says his placement sitting in the balcony was absolutely orchestrated:
“I wanted to show that I am multifaceted and can do lots of things, not just theatre, but also singing and film. That’s why I wanted to perform my piece from the balcony. I feel like that says, ‘Yes, I’m a part of the theatre but not just on stage.’ I thought that was a great representation of being in the room, but not necessarily where people expect me to be.”
Passion for the arts runs deep in Bartney, and began early:
“Both of my parents are pastors, so I’ve grown up in the church and with music all around me, especially gospel music. I play the piano, and I’m learning how to play the guitar. I also play the drums and the trumpet. I began my theatre journey in sixth grade—my first play was The Wizard of Oz–Christmas Edition. After that, I was the Genie in Aladdin, Sebastian in Little Mermaid, Simba in Lion King, and I just kept going from middle school through high school.”
Bartney also discovered that he has a love for dance and choreography, something he’s explored during his time at UNCG:
“The first main stage production I choreographed was Carrie. To be an undergrad and part of the Musical Theatre program and be a choreographer has been a great experience. Most recently, I choreographed Lempicka, and I was in the show’s ensemble, too. I’ve also had the opportunity to choreograph in the School of Dance, working with their Movers and Makers concerts. I’ve also created some tiny dance videos.”
Bartney’s path to UNCG was not a foregone conclusion. Growing up in Wake Forest, he, like so many other theatre students, felt a tug to leave North Carolina:
“I wanted to go to those centers of theatre and film—New York and LA! But I found my way here, and it is exactly where I needed to be to really hone my craft as an actor, singer, and choreographer:
“Being here has taught me how to slow down. New York and LA are very fast paced. It is go, go, go, go all the time, and you can get trampled if you’re not at that tempo. ‘Lost in the sauce,’ as my dad says. My UNCG School of Theatre experience has taught me to take a deep breath, be present, and grow as an artist. Find out who you are, both in the theatre and as a person. Then, you’ll be ready for New York or LA, if that’s where your journey takes you.”
Bartney’s journey is taking him to New York:
“After our showcase reel went out, I got some good reviews from agents and casting directors, and I’ve gotten some interviews lined up. I’m booked with summer work with Wagon Wheel Theatre in Indiana, so I’ll move after that. My idea is two-to-three years in New York then to LA, because I really love California.”
After that? Bartney says he has plans outside of show business:
“My big dream has nothing to do with theatre. I’d like to start a school—a charter school—that will help kids get ready for college and future careers. It would be a place where you take the kinds of classes that you will need for what you plan to do in life. For example, in theatre you need to know how to file taxes as an artist, so you would take those kinds of math classes. I also believe in teaching life skills, like how to save money.
“At this school, athletics would be extremely important, too. I think athletics can intertwine with so many things because in sports you learn discipline and how to work as a team, rather than just as an individual. My brother is going into business, and we’d like to eventually work on this together. So, that is the big future dream.”
In his showcase performance, Bartney sang the words, “What do you do when you’ve done all you can?” With so many plans in mind, it seems that he’s far from that.
Story by Terri W Relos
Photo credit: Bert Vanderveen
Video credit: Thomas Mendolia
