Christopher Durham looks so familiar. Of course. FAB’s (Fine Arts Boosters) featured artist — an actor and singer — has been in the spotlight at Kingston High School seven times in major theater roles since he was a freshman.

His most recent was Nicely in “Guys and Dolls.”

Nice is what Christopher is.  His compassion surfaced over and over in our interview. As Nicely, Durham sang tenor, but Christopher is a baritone.

“With tutoring from my quartet partners I learned how to sing tenor,” he said.

“I loved the ‘Guys and Dolls’ role. I got to eat real food on stage.”

The spring musical production was a miracle. If  choir was offered this spring the KHS Men’s Quartet and  the Choir Ensemble would have gone on winning competitions. They are that good.  We let the vocalists down badly.

Because of changing school boundaries Christopher had to fight to stay a KHS student. He will be back for his Senior year.

Choosing the arts — drama and music — over sports, Christopher said “I originally felt I didn’t deserve attention. That changed when I got compliments on my acting and how good I am. The Missoula Theater Company  when at Briedablik got rid of my shy side. I came out of my shell but I was still me.

“We learned off point acting meaning how to keep in  character without having any lines,” he said. (I’ve wondered how actors do that)

I also wondered what happened to “actresses?”   Christopher explained how the term “actress” mixed feminine qualities with submissiveness.

“Would you rather be treated by a doctor or a doctoress?”

He added, “‘Actor’ has more depth. There has been a gradual change.”

Speaking of doctors, the Seattle School of Oriental Medicine calls Christopher to a career in acupuncture.

The compassionate side of Christopher shows itself as he cares for his two younger brothers.

“I love being a big brother,” he said. “… I love to cook  for them, sometimes from a recipe or I wing it. Cooking is a vital life skill for everyone. Did you notice the Easy Bake Oven is now silver not pink? The shift to unisex cooking.”

About Christopher being  compassionate: “I am very against bullying. We don’t bully at Kingston High School, but I went to a funeral of a bullied friend of a friend. I went in support of my friend. The bullied young person’s most amazing art forms that  were shown there — writing and drawing — shared a dark silhouette about his self. I will never know him.   Moments that suck pay off later.”

Christopher cares that KHS is seen as the underdog high school in North Kitsap.

“This reflects on the community but we have many talented artists in all fields.  Our character shows in all our forms of expression.  As artists  when  we share who we are it is show and  tell about our school.”

May 30, 31 and June 1 the community can once again see what KHS Drama can do during two short  plays and a scene being presented at the school.  Show your support by being there.

Drama will perform “The Real Inspector Hound,” “The Actor’s Nightmare,” and a scene from “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.”

Shows are May 30-31 at 7 p.m., and June 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors.