CJ, Senior

CJ in acting classes and performing.

"I chose Western because it is the only Illinois state school to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre," said CJ, who started his WIU career in Fall 2004, one year after Western's B.F.A. degree program was established.

With multiple performances, plays and musicals behind him, "I have set my goals pretty high for my senior year," said CJ.

"I want to accomplish as much as I can and soak up as much information as I can from the faculty before I graduate," he added. "I will be busy with acting (pending auditions), my final B.F.A. project in Spring 2008, and I'll direct my first play at Western. I want to make it the best year it can possibly be."

Outstanding Partner

CJ as "The Nerd" holding a tamborine."I've always loved the theatre, but I really started acting my freshman year in high school simply as a way to meet new friends at a new school. After I finished my first production, I knew that this was the thing for me.

"My mom and dad have always been supportive of my love and my continuing pursuit of theatre as a career," CJ said.

In Spring 2007, CJ won the Outstanding Partner Award at the American College Theatre Festival regional competition. He was among three WIU actors from the region − which includes 77 schools in the five states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin − who swept three of the top four categories.

CJ entered the competition "with the mindset to do well for Patrick Tierney," who was nominated for the competition for his acting in "Blood Brothers."

"When Pat chose me to be his acting partner, I was honored and I really wanted to help him make it to finals," Langdon said. "When we accomplished that goal, I was very satisfied and that was all I wanted out of the competition. When they announced my name as the winner, I was overwhelmed and shocked."

CJ said the award added value to his education and skills.

"Above all, this award means respect. It's so rewarding for people to be able to approve and respect your work as an artist. It feels really nice to be noticed for something that I work very hard at," CJ added.

Western Experiences

Among CJ's favorite roles he has played at Western is Rick Steadman (The Nerd) in "The Nerd."

"It was a lot of fun playing The Nerd because I got a lot of satisfaction from doing comedy," CJ said.

He was also part of Western's 2006 "Summer Music Theatre at 35" company, and he was the SMT house manager for its 2007 season.

"Western's theatre and dance and music departments have prepared me to go into the world in more ways than I will ever be able to thank them," CJ said. "I have learned so much about auditions, my craft and so much more.

"And I respect and admire a lot of fellow actors at WIU and enjoy working alongside of them," he added.