Originally from Alabama, 25 -year-old Chris Murphy, theater major, chose to attend EC to pursue acting three years ago when his wife, who works for the Air Force, was sent to L.A.

Murphy was drawn to acting when he first heard laughter and applause as a result of his roles in plays, or in the company friends of family.

“What I like about acting is the ability to stand there and possibly influence what someone is thinking in the audience,” Murphy said

The pressure of getting a stable job that pays the bills has challenged Murphy to reconsider becoming an actor.

“I wanted to fall into that convention. I knew I needed to work to support myself, but then I had this drive that kept me interested in acting,” Murphy said.

Murphy also said it is difficult to understand why many people have a desire to study acting because it is not a stable job.

“Acting does not guarantee a paycheck. Acting is not a nine-to-five job. You don’t just punch a card in its right slot and the job is done.” Murphy said.

“It is a continual process of learning, especially when you get a part and you’re becoming a character,” Murphy said.

“You then need to figure out how deep that character needs to be, and this process is never-ending.”

As part of the casts in major on-campus productions “Brighton Beach Memoirs” and “Hay Fever,” Murphy said he has gained an in-depth understanding of the entire production of a play while broadening the range of his acting skills.

“I’m very far from where I want to be as an actor, but with these plays, I’ve learned to understand and appreciate the roles of people who work behind the scenes,” Murphy said about the combined efforts of directors, actors and the stage crew.

“Their works help you fully realize the character,” he said.

Murphy has also had experience with film and TV and is excited about playing the starring lead in an independent project called “Impressions,” directed by fellow student Brad Bode.

“Playing a character who is completely different from myself has allowed me so much freedom,” Murphy said. “And I think that is the best part about acting.”

Murphy said he will receive his associate’s degree in theater arts this spring and is hoping to continue his acting studies at the university level.

Murphy said he believes that an academic approach to acting has increased his capacity as an actor.

“I believe that my training here has allowed me to find my footing in acting,” Murphy said.

“I have found a reason for acting because it is not just something to do to become rich and famous. Through acting, you stand on that stage and be heard.”