Christain Rosa Robles has directed since the first grade, from The Egg Scene from "1776" to short plays written by college students. Christain's recent project is directing Roundabout Youth Ensemble's Off-Broadway production of "Until Tomorrow Comes" by Brailyn Abreau. In this experience, Christain worked with designers, producers, Broadway mentors, and young actors to put the play in a Black Box Theatre in the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre—a Roundabout Theatre Company venue in the heart of New York, Times Square.

Christain and the actors embrace each other after finishing blocking.

Christain during tech week adjusting blocking with actors.

Christain and lead actors during a talkback for the first design run of "Until Tomorrow Comes".

Actors engage in a discussion about script analysis.

"Until Tomorrow Comes was my first ever theatre experience outside of school. Christain made the process so welcoming and supportive. As a director, one of his top goals was for the actors to be heard within the design teams. He ensured the lighting team, costumes, sound, etc, all worked cohesively together. That was the stand-out quality that I, and the whole cast, saw in Christian. For me, the production wouldn’t have been amazing to work on without his guidance and support."

"It was an honor to work with him. Christain is a kind, creative, patient person that I’m so grateful that I was given the opportunity to learn from him. During the process of Until Tomorrow Comes, there were often actors who were difficult to work with. Loud, disrespectful, arrogant people that even I had issues with. I find it very admirable, that regardless of all it, Christain was able to remain patient and composed. He was able to push any personal issues aside, and still bring an enthusiastic, ready-to-work energy to the space everyday. He was eager to get to know everyone and compared to other directors or acting coaches I’ve had in the past, he made me feel seen. He made me feel like my opinions and feelings mattered. He created a space where ideas were able to build on top of each other and grow into art. He is able to take charge of a room and lead a group no matter where he is. He is quick on his feet and even when things fell apart and felt chaotic, he didn’t lose his cool. Christain is one of the hardest working people I know. During the 6 weeks of putting together Until Tomorrow Comes, not only was Christain working long hours for the show, but working full time as a manager in McDonald’s. Christain was working long hours everyday, working from early in the morning to late at night, and not once did I hear him complain. Not once did it affect his attitude. When I first realized that he was gonna be brilliant was when we went through his analysis of the play together. His dedication to every little detail and dedication to the time period was impressive. He was mentioning details I didn’t notice, drawing out powerful themes about love, hate, family and religion. Themes that I was able to learn from and incorporate into my own life. I don’t think the production would’ve been as successful if anyone else was directing it. Christain has a way with words that allows the vision to come to life. He talks to me like on I’m the same level as him, like a colleague instead of an employee. He is helpful and constructive, and after hearing feedback from Christain, and applying it, I always felt my performance improve. I also would like to mention how he knows what he wants. He shows a great level of confidence and I think that’s important for someone in a leadership role. He knows his worth and isn’t afraid to stand up for himself. By the last show, I had not just gained a mentor, but a friend. Someone who I can go to when I’m struggling or when I need advice. He has a really beautiful perspective on life, and I think he has great things ahead of him. How passionate he is for the arts, from directing to music to acting, I know he will go far. He touched all our hearts this summer. He has impacted me greatly."

- LYNN KE

ACTOR, DIRECTOR, AND STUDENT CURRENTLY ATTENDING FIORELLO H. LAGUARDIA HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART AND PERFORMING ARTS

- ORIANA O'HARE

ACTOR, MUSICIAN, AND STUDENT AT FIORELLO H. LAGUARDIA HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART AND
PERFORMING ARTS