DEBUT OF THE MONTH: FENCE's Chris Chalk

Each month, BroadwayWorld will be shining the spotlight on a stage actor making their Broadway debut as part of our "Debut of the Month" series. This month, we are featuring Chris Chalk, making his Broadway debut as 'Cory' in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's Fences. The play stars two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Tony Award winner Viola Davis.

Chalk's previous stage work includes Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize winning play Ruined, Unconditional (LAByrinth Theatre Company, The Public Theater), and The Overwhelming (Roundabout).

Entertainment Reporter Nick Orlando sat down with Chalk to discuss Fences and his experience working with Denzel Washington, one of his favorite actors.

Zodiac sign:
Sagittarius - December 7th - It's all true.

Hometown:
Asheville, North Carolina.

What was your first acting gig?
I was five years old, and was doing a Christmas show for my elementary school. I was singing "Somebody Snitched On Me." It was a very fine song!

What is your dream role?
I don't know if it's written yet! Every role that I've had is my dream role. Each role reveals something new about me. When I do something, sometimes I didn't know I was capable of it. I would like to do a comedy - I haven't been in a comedy in a long time. I am a funny dude.

When did you come to NYC?
I came to NYC right before September 11, 2001; it happened right before I moved in. It was an interesting time to come to NYC.

Where were you working in between auditions and gigs?
I was working at the W Hotel in Times Square. I was a welcome ambassador, which is a glorified bell hop and then I went on to become a door ambassador, which is a glorified door man. I did that for two years. It was a full-time job and I worked 60 hours per week. It didn't leave much time for auditions.

How did you land your role in Fences?
The first audition was a while back. It was a month before the callback and we were all terrible. The producers went to Los Angeles to find talent and then they came back here. They decided to pick the best of the worst! I received a callback. It was a four part audition. The final callback was on a Sunday during a Jets game. The second and final callbacks were with Denzel Washington.

Describe the experience working with Denzel Washington. When did you first meet him?
I was in the cast of [Lynn Nottage's] Ruined, [winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama] and he came to see it - it was our next to last show. Denzel is friends with Condola Rashad, so he came to show his support for her. Afterwards, we hung out backstage - it was me, Denzel and a cast member talking about work, life, etc. Any nervousness I had meeting him was gone by the time callbacks came about. Working with him has been awesome. He is so generous. Denzel is so open. He is hilarious - nobody knows he is funny. He is a regular guy! People go crazy when they see him. He is a regular dude who would walk down the street by himself, if he could.

Which celebrities have you seen in the audience or met at this show?
The list goes on and on. Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Aretha Franklin, Eddie Murphy, Lenny Kravitz, Stevie Wonder, Whoopi Goldberg.

Who is your favorite actor?
Besides me (I like myself), Denzel Washington has always been one of my favorite actors - that's why this is such a blessing. Also, Philip Seymour Hoffman.

Favorite TV show?
"Friday Night Lights," "The Wire."

Which song do you listen to most on your iPod?
"Alabama" by John Coltrane

Hobbies / Special Skills:
I used to play basketball before my knees started to hurt. I also like to write - I make music.

What else do you have lined up?
When Fences is over, I am working on a feature film, "Recalled."

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Fences is currently playing Broadway's Cort Theater for a strictly limited run through July 11th. For tickets, visit www.fencesonbroadway.com.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

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