Church and ‘The Phantom’ led Christina Alexander into the arts

Christina Alexander is a multifaceted performer and teacher with a master’s degree in musicology from the University of Miami. Now appearing as Joanne in Slow Burn Theatre’s production of Rent, Alexander has been a church music minister and soloist; an actress at M Ensemble, New Theatre and other companies; the creator and performer of the solo show HATE! An American Love Story at Miami Theater Center’s SandBox; and the musical director for Tarell Alvin McCraney’s Choir Boy at GableStage.

Her range of interests isn’t so surprising when she explains how she fell in love with the arts.

“My mother had me in programs at church and singing at weddings when I was 3,” Alexander recalls. “When I was a little older, 6 or 7, my aunt who is a jazz singer created a group called My Sisters’ Children, comprised of my cousins, siblings and I. We performed around South Florida singing Christmas carols and doing small appearances with my aunt … we even got to ride in a limousine!”

While attending Norland Middle School, Alexander went to see The Phantom of The Opera on a field trip and found her calling.

“What a life-changing experience. I’ve been in [the arts] and hooked for a long time. I’ve had times when I’ve tried to do things besides being an artist, and somehow, I always ended up back in the arts. Here is my passion, here is my heart. The further down the artistic rabbit hole I travel, the more I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be!”

Christine Dolen

This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Church and ‘The Phantom’ led Christina Alexander into the arts."