Hometown: Born in Belleville, NJ Raised in Irvington, NJ
Education: I have a BA in Elementary Ed. & English from Seton Hall University
and an MFA in Acting from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana
Select Credits: Clybourne Park (Broadway, Mark Taper, Playwrights Horizons); Broke-ology (Lincoln Center); Ruined (Manhattan Theater Club); The First Breeze of Summer (Signature Theatre); Born Bad (Soho Rep); Bottom of the World (Atlantic Theater Company)
Why theater?: I think theater found me. My intention was to be an elementary school teacher but God had other plans for me.
What is it like being a part of Clybourne Park?: Being in this play is like a great dream I never knew I wanted. It is a fantastic, challenging role, a phenomenal and important play, a kind, generous funny cast, top notch production crew and we are in one of the greatest theaters on Broadway! Who could ask for more?
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The role I am working on now is a dream. It is something I got to create from the ground up and I am really proud of that accomplishment. I love new plays! So I guess my dream is to continue to be a part of creating new work that moves people in some way. I am not sure what that will look like but I am excited by the possibilities. I am inspired by no artist in particular but I have a list of writers, directors, and casting agents that I would love to work with someday. If I see something I think is great I look that person up and add them to my list.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Not really. I like being in new plays because no one can tell you how it should be done. I think I would like to play Richard in Richard III someday.
What’s your favorite showtune?: Sorry, I do not have one. But I think they are great!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Jack O'Brian, Dan Sullivan, or George C. Wolf
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would like to be played by some beautiful, unknown, breakout star and the movie would be called "Crystal"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I told people to see The Columnist and My Children! My Africa!
What’s the best advice you can give someone trying to make it in theater?: Do it because you love it and you don't want to do anything else. Don't do it because you want to be famous.
What’s up next?: If all goes well and there are no surprises, Brandon (my husband) and I will be going back to Atlanta to play the MacBeth's in Georgia Shakespeare's fall slot! I am excited to go back to what I believe to be my artistic home base!
For more information on Crystal, visit www.crystaldickinson.com. For more information on Clybourne Park, visit www.clybournepark.com.
