Meet The Team

Chris Krause (He/Him) is a Sanford native. He graduated from Meridian High School and went on to get his BFA in theatre from Central Michigan University before studying at the Atlantic Acting School in NYC. Chris worked as a professional actor in NYC for 6 years, appearing in several off-off broadway productions, as well as several independent films. In addition to acting, Chris worked as a fight choreographer and live stunt performer, and wrote several scripts of his own both for the stage and screen. The pandemic brought him back home in 2020, and now that the world has started to return to a semblance of normalcy, he’s excited to start this new theatrical journey in Midland.
www.chrisjkrause.com

Megan Meyer (She/Her) is new to the Michigan area and has quickly picked up performing at the Lebowsky Center in Owosso, The Flint Rep, as well as the Midland Center for the Arts.  Megan received her education from AMDA NYC and graduated in 2012. Upon graduation, she performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and at multiple dinner theatres in Orlando. Since moving to Michigan, you may have seen her on the Lebowsky stage in Owosso as Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and Evita in Evita. In 2019 she was in the nationwide search for Chicago the Musical’s top 10 Search for Roxie on Broadway. Megan works as a voice over artist and has over 50 books on audible. Other theatre credits include: Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Claire in Proof, Nora in A Doll House, Marta in Company, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and more. www.themeganmeyer.com

JR is a self-proclaimed “Jack of all Trades, Master of none” when it comes to the technical theatre, though anyone who has collaborated with him knows this to be an understatement. Completely self-taught, JR has a unique approach to design and is one of the area’s foremost lighting designers. A true collaborator, JR brings a director’s vision to life on stage. A longtime advocate of technical theatre and technical theatre education, he is currently the Auditorium Director for the Midland Public School system. There he helps mentor  students about everything,  technical theatre. JR recently finished working on his 100th show in 20 years. JR has also been named Technical Director by AACT (American Association of Community Theatres) for their national competition. He would like to acknowledge his amazing wife Melly and unique daughter Addi for all the love and support they give me while he is off creating his art.

Claudia Marsh (she/her) is a theater educator in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. She graduated from Central Michigan University, where she received her BFA in Theater: Acting and Directing. She later pursued her teaching certification from Saginaw Valley State University after discovering her passion for working in youth theater.

Claudia is a strong advocate for theater education and sees herself as a forever student. Her drive to learn is what led her to technical theater. Claudia strives to demonstrate versatility on and off the stage and is always willing to learn a new skill. She is excited to work with Friction to bring new theatrical experiences to the Great Lakes Bay Region.