Cristen Monson
ABOUT ME
My artistic journey began in Los Angeles at age six, acting in commercials and growing up in a family of performers trained at the legendary Pasadena Playhouse. I appeared in several national and regional commercials. My career spans New York cabarets, regional theatres in Baltimore, Texas and Delaware, and a rich array of performances and directorial work across Illinois.
As the Co-Founder of Nomad Theatre, my work is rooted in a belief that community arts should be accessible, meaningful, and woven into every corner of our region. I’m committed to bringing theatre to all parts of our community — not just traditional stages, but the unexpected spaces where stories can spark connection, curiosity, and belonging.
As a director I value encouraging authenticity, artistic expression, and empowering performers to discover and showcase their unique strengths. I believe every actor carries a story worth telling, and my role is to help them unlock it. By fostering a collaborative, supportive, and imaginative environment, I strive to help artists create work that resonates deeply with audiences — work that feels lived‑in, human, and true. Whether I’m directing, performing, or coaching, my goal is always the same: to build spaces where creativity thrives, community grows, and theatre becomes a shared experience for all.
