Chris Kauffman

Chris Kauffman

Visiting Assistant Professor
of Theater Arts

Class of 1992

I wanted to study literature and when I came to Get Acquainted Day I met the late Prof. Fredrickson and others. They (and The Gettysburg Review) became my heroes until I learned about how to engage in literature through my body in acting. The English Department remained my heroes, but my theater mentors taught me the dynamics of movement, spatial thinking and awareness, and timing on stage. My blood flowed just a little faster in the Kline.

What's a favorite memory?

I remember being in the Kline Theatre one spring afternoon. It was beautiful outside, and we were in this dark building with no windows, lit by stage lights. We were imagining being somewhere else, at some other time, really getting into the play. I remember thinking that I really didn't mind at all that we were inside...and feeling disappointed that the semester was almost over and I'd have to wait a whole summer to do another play. I knew then that I had really discovered a passion. I have Gettysburg to thank for that.

What were some of your activites while you were here?

I spent many hours in the theater. I was also in two rock bands: "Vagabondage" and "Big Hair."  And went hiking in Caledonia a lot.

Publicity shot for Motel California performed in New York in 2000. Kauffman still performs with Richard Harrington each summer.

Why did you decide to come back to teach?

Coming back to teach at Gettysburg is like coming home for me. I direct students on the stage that I learned on.

Classes are small enough to really focus on the art of theatre-the literature, artful design, movement of the natural elements, and how we wind coils inside ourselves to find comedic or dramatic expression.

The liberal arts college is a fertile environment for these discoveries. I hope to inspire others who might be discovering they have the same interests.