Christina Reyes recently played Paula in Masquer's production of Love to Tell the Story. She was also a featured singer in Traditions

MM: Let's start with the basics. Who are you, and what is your involvement with Masquer Minsitries?

Christina: My name is Christina and I just finished my first production(s) with Masquer Ministries.

MM: How long have you been involved with Masquer?

Christina: I saw the performance of Godspell and auditioned for the Christmas production(s).

MM: Christina, tell us a little bit about yourself outside of Masquer Ministries.

Christina: Well... I live a pretty busy life right now. I attend college at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. I am currently getting my Bachelor of Music in vocal performance with keyboard minors. I've played in a few bands in the past and will most likely continue to do so for awhile. However, singing is and has always been my passion. When I'm not doing music, I usually paint or go see other people play music. You could say my life is a little single-subjected.

MM: Tell us a bit about your music and acting background. How long have you been performing?

Christina: I know it's incredibly cliché, but I really have been singing all my life. My first time in a full professional musical was actually the beginning of my senior year in high school where we also did Godspell. Prior to that, I had been singing with the Southern California Childrens Chorus for 8 or 9 years and singing in the school honor choir for 4 consecutive years. Like I mentioned, I played/sang with a few bands over the years including a touring indie rock band and a chill little coffee shop cover band. As far as the acting goes, it's not really my strong point but I love it so much I just keep doing it... Or attempting, anyway (haha!).

MM: Have you been involved in any drama ministry before Masquer?

Christina: My whole life has been professional training in music. I took acting lessons from about 5th grade to 8th grade at my elementary school and in 6th grade, took an acting class from Chapman University. Basically, I wanted to be "well-rounded". However, singing is absolutely my forte. I've taken private vocal lessons every week since I was about 14, although not with the same teacher every year. Even though I am no longer involved with SCCC (Southern California Childrens Chorus), I can definitely say it has blessed me with more opportunities than I ever imagined. By being with them, I have sang with Kenny Loggins, toured Europe, and acquired enough knowledge in musicality to get accepted to the college I go to now. Hmm... If only they taught me to act too. (haha!)

MM: Have you had any professional training in either music or drama?

Christina: No, not really. I have sang in church but never really did musical theatre or drama type things with the exception of my high school's production of Godspell. I suppose that is drama ministry, isn't it.

MM: Yeah, I think that qualifies. What part of your involvement with Masquer Ministries has been the most challenging?

Christina: The acting and dancing!! Singing has always come naturally to me and something I love so I am more willing and excited to develop it as much as possible. Acting and dancing are always the things that take the most work with me, and even though neither of which were necessarily grueling in this Masquer production, I realize just how much more difficult it is for my to dance/act in front of 50 people than to sing alone in front of 1,000 people. It's been quite the challenge.

MM: What has been the most rewarding experience with Masquer?

Christina: Wow. The most rewarding? Everything about this has been a reward. Everyone involved... I couldn't have prayed for more wonderful people to work with. Even just the little things with these people. I'll show up to practice having just sat in 2 hours of Los Angeles traffic... I'm grumpy and tired and would love nothing more to do than sleep and yet, somehow, the second I walk in the room... Everyone is ecstatic to see me and I just feel how much they love me. And I love them for that. I love them for being amazing people.

MM: So, what has been your favorite part of being involved with Masquer Ministries?

Christina: Well, besides the previously mentioned awesome cast and crew... I have loved getting to both lead and follow on the stage. I love how I can help others and, in the very next second, be helped in return. I have loved being able to work on the theatrical things I struggle with while also being able to do what I love most... Sing for God.

MM: Do you have a favorite part of the show?

Christina: I am just so incredibly thankful for being asked to work with this phenomenal group and for the stellar effort and determination everyone puts into it. The performances just prove how great everyone is. Here's hoping this show is the first of many for me...

MM: We hope so too, Christina. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

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