Meet Christine Harms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Harms.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Christie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born & raised in Central New Jersey (it does exist). I am the only child of two lawyers- Brian and Nancy Harms. Since both parents worked full time, I was also raised by an incredible, oil painting, a nanny named Joanna Wezyk- she even illustrated me into a child’s storybook “Marushka’s Egg” . My first “gig” was playing Marushka in a child’s puppet show in Barnes & Nobles across the tri-state area.

I talked way too much in school and needed a creative outlet. I began my exploration into acting by attending East Brunswick Summer Theater Camp. My first role onstage was Toto in “The Wizard of Oz”. Full puppy costume- singing, dancing, “bark-bark”ing Toto. I moved away from East Brunswick and didn’t do theater for four years because my new school didn’t have a drama program.

I revisited acting in highschool. I accessed every performance outlet I could at Mount Saint Mary Academy- singing, dancing, acting, mock trial, forensics, student government- you name it. I graduated, and attended Drew University to get my BA in Theater Arts. I trained at the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey my freshman year as an apprentice and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for a summer semester. I worked as an intern at STNJ and The American Globe Theater in Times Square.

Post Undergrad, I booked a show in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, moved to Philly, and took an apprenticeship at Walnut Street Theater as a House Management Apprentice. It was one of the hardest job I’ve ever had. Learned a lot about the behind the scenes, production, and management end of the theater. After completing my apprenticeship, I decided to get conservatory training, moved home, and worked as a preschool teacher to save up for my MFA. I was accepted into CalArts & moved to Los Angeles and began my training there in 2009.

I received my MFA in Acting from CalArts after 3 truly magical and challenging years of fruitful training. In debt forever, but the best money I’ve ever invested in myself. For example, I began my days with T’ai Chi, Roy Hart Singing / Vocal for lunch, and Flamenco training for a show in the evening. I shot my first film in my senior year and decided the film was where my heart was.

Was an original actor of “The Speakeasy Society”, an immersive theater company founded by my classmates Genevive Gearhart, Matthew Bamberg-Johnson, and Julianne Just in 2010. We currently produce interactive work around Los Angeles at theaters & eclectic venues across the city- from “Chloe’s” at Golden Road Brewery, to Two Bit Circus, to Mountain View Mausoleum or fundraising events hosted by The Broad Stage.

I trained with The Actor’s Gang Theater in Culver City in improv, Commedia Dell’Arte, puppetry, & mask work. Performed ensemble and understudy roles in a number of productions for their mainstage and free summer Shakespeare shows in the park for children. I also taught as an assistant teacher in schools and at the theater with the Education Department and as a scribe with the Re-Entry and Prison Projects. I have also trained at UCB, Aquila Morong Studio, and continue training in film audition technique with my CalArts alumni every Sunday.

I am a voice over artist and have voiced projects ranging from a robot alien to a nerdy 12 year old boy.

Most recent projects: supporting leads in a short film about the world of Karaoke Hostessing, and my first feature length film by Variety praised Indian director, Manjeet Singh, playing an activist who goes viral, and a voice over gig where I portrayed the woman who was the voice over artist of the demon in “The Exorcist”

Currently, I am managed by Hollywood Original Talent for Commercial and Theatrical and continue my work as a teaching artist as the Acting & Vocal teacher at a charter program. I continue to act in TV, film, theater, & immersive theater.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As they say: “The course of true love never did run smooth”

I was teased relentlessly for having red hair and freckles throughout the school.

My parents had a dramatic divorce while I survived a physically abusive partner who struggled with substance abuse from ages 17-19.

Struggling for pay- as a teaching artist trying to audition- man, was it hard to find a full time gig, with health benefits, that paid substantially enough to make a living from acting/teaching alone. I have worked up to 5 jobs at one time.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Business: Actor- film, television, commercial, theater, musical theater, performance artistry.

Most Known for: a recurring role on “Cocktales: The Series” (so says IMDB), & also from my Speakeasy Society work. I was out shopping a couple of months back and someone stopped me, saying “Jinjur!? Is that you??” because they recognized my character, General Jinjur, from our series adapted from “The Wizard of Oz” novels.

Most Proud: One of my acting side gigs is that I perform a princess/fairy/characters for events, parties, and volunteer hospital appearances. I performed as a well known princess at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Watching the kids sing along with us, they teach us some sign language after, was my most rewarding performance experience. Remaining connected to my ‘community artist’ roots is incredibly important to me.

What Sets me Apart: I am a natural redhead, I can fluctuate from quirky and goofy to focused emotional depth in a blink of an eye, I can sing and speak in Irish-Gaelic, I am an avid videogamer, I can do incredibly accurate pokemon impressions.

What were you like growing up?
Gregarious, overly-talkative, curious, bubbly, silly, smart-alec, sensitive, quirky, playful, imaginative, lover of dress-up / playing pretend, sassy, empathic, kind, inclusive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christieharms.com
• Phone: 323-266-9800
• Email: info@christieharms.com
• Instagram: ladycharmsy
• Facebook: christieharmsacts
• Twitter: christieharms

Image Credit:
IMG_1876 – Andrew Wofford Photography
Profile Photo & IMG_1511- Theo & Juliet Photography
IMG_2446- Bob Turton Photography
Bridal Print Modeling Photo- Johnny Buzzerio Photography

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