Special recognition to Christian J. Parker
Serving our country in Iraq and a former student of our
Technical Theatre Mentor Program.

Sgt. Parker, Christian J. 56 SBCT HHC Unit 6260 APO AE 09378

I started working at Prime Stage at a very young age. I was introduced into the company through the Technical Theatre Mentor Program. Though my family was very involved in theatre, this was the first time I personally ever got involved. It opened my eyes to see the machine of a theatrical environment in motion, though I began as a simple mentee the staff of Prime Stage were always encouraging me to get involved in understanding how the many technical sections of theatre are operated.

Through out the years I grew from a light operator, simply changing ques upon request of the stage manager, to an assistant lighting designer. Prime Stage never doubted me for a minute, and always encouraged me to try the next level in my field as well as to try other fields (sound engineering, electrical work, stage design, special effects).

I deployed to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team in support of OIF 08-09, I am the NCOIC (manager) of the Brigade Support Desk and assistant NCOIC of the Systems Administrator staff – I am responsible for all technical operations to be sustained during our mission as well as I oversee maintenance and operation to ensure there is never a second that the soldiers do not have data feed to help in their missions. At home I am a lead in-home support technician for systems repair, networking, and IT business support. Though different environments, I credit my success to Prime Stage’s determination to show me what I could become, and where I can go in life. Through Prime Stage I learned critical life skills such as problem solving, meeting tight deadlines, project management, working with budgets, managing teams, and even training new mentees. I met people of many different life styles and made a lot of great friends.

The skills obtained through Prime Stage had a big impact on my life. Entering such an environment at such an age where I was still developing who I was and still trying to learn life, it fit perfectly in helping to mold my future. On top of all the life skills obtained, through the art of theatre I also learned a lot about other cultures and historical events.

The staff at Prime Stage have nothing but good intentions for their Technical Theatre Mentor Program. Giving children an opportunity to see what they can be, to see the art of theatre, and to see the workings of life in a responsible business environment. More programs like this need to exist to help our youth know what is out there and what they can become if they apply themselves.

Christian Josiah Parker