Meet Chinguun Sergelen

eet Chinguun Sergelen, a young Chicago actor in the play, "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder presented by Redtwist Theatre, running until October 29, 2017. A Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece of the 20th century is brought lovingly into the 21st century. Redtwist Associate Artistic Director James Fleming directs an intimate production of this American classic as a love letter to Chicago’s many communities and a reminder that life’s most ordinary moments are often the most profound. Tickets can be purchased here.

What is your personal story?
My name is Chinguun Sergelen Mongolian American boy who loves acting and to entertain people. My mom started putting me in my Park districts plays, I really enjoyed them. So I asked my mom to sign me up with acting classes and I signed up John Casablanca's for 3 year acting & modeling program. Half year later, I got auditioned for the Launch Showcase of Midwest Talent competition and I was selected. I had no idea about the Launch ShowCase but we prepared for 6 month. Launch Showcase was a huge event that almost 250 talented kids participated all over the Midwest in June 2016. Unbelievable story is I was awarded a " Rising Star Full Scholarship " and received callbacks from 15 talent agents for their representation from NY, LA, Chicago. This wonderful experience helped me to realize that I should continue pursue a career in performing art industry & helped me strongly to believe in myself. So happy to signed up Gray Talent Group & honored to be represented by them today & never stopped working since. I truly grateful for the Launch ShowCase and GTG and my amazing talented 2 private acting coaches Janet Milstein and Stef Tovar. They are the best coaches in the world. I feel so lucky to having them and enjoy learning & improving my acting skills with their wise lead. 

Who is your character in Our Town?
The entire story is based on 2 families Dr. Gibbs and editor Webb’s family. 1901 to 1913 Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire near Massachusetts. Dr.Gibbs and his wife Mrs.Julia has 2 children. There son is George and there daughter is Rebecca Gibbs. Editor Charles Webb and Mrs Myrtle Webb has 2 children. There daughter Emily and son Wally Webb. The character I’m portraying is Wally Webb who is Emily’s younger brother. I die of a burst appendix on my Boy Scout camping trip. 

What challenge does your character face telling this story?
My characters story is that he is the younger brother of Emily and loves her very much, but also wants attention. He would like to share some attention with his sister Emily. But, Wally felt that he didn’t get enough attention from his family because all of it goes Emily. All attention naturally goes to Emily because she is leading role of the OUR TOWN. Our town play is about LOVE & LIFE and Death tragedy of the 2 main characters George and Emily.  

How does you character overcome this challenge?
Our Town has a three Acts .Act I is about the "Daily life " of the 2 families. During act I we have a breakfast scene. I do silly things to get attention from my mom like I stand up and talk loud during the breakfast because, I don't get all the attention because it goes to my sister Emily. Also, I tried to ask questions to my dad but he won’t call on me. 

Act II is about the "Love and Marriage " of George and my sister Emily. I do fun stuff & I do a silly face at wedding scene in order to make a distraction and to get attention from my sister Emily, that action encourages everybody to laugh. That moment is my favorite scene because i can be silly and funny. 

Act III is about the "Death Tragedy " of my lovely sister Emily and how tragedy effects everybody’s life. This is super dramatic and a very sad scene that makes everybody cry, especially my real mother. She kept crying at the first table reading and rehearsal through openings. My sister Emily dies giving birth to her second child. Emily fights to go back "Alive " during the funeral scene. Everybody that’s dead tells her not to go back alive, but she won’t listen. This scene is most challenging and hard for me… because I’m sitting down 35 min as a dead person on stage. I have to be absolutely still and react subtly. The whole experience was a difficult & interesting challenge to act as dead child.I have secrets for me how to handle act three. ( I was smiling during the rehearsal & moving a lot too) But, I’m so grateful to having this opportunity to learning how to be patient, control my emotions. Although this is a wonderful chance to watch entire ACT III instead of being behind the scenes, I’m watching and listening to all great and experienced actors who are playing role of a" alive or dead “ person. Also, it is very helpful to understand the meaning of the message of the playwright: Thornton Wilder and his famous quotes as “ Oh, Earth you’re too Wonderful for anybody to realize you" and “ Does anybody realize Life while they’re Living it every every minute". I got so used to it and i can recognize it from anywhere.

Any comments?
Our Town play is a very sad & beautiful play. You will experience the season changes as rainy day snowing day , sunny days all under the light of beautiful full moon also, the story draw your emotions as a happy, excited, lovely... disappointed and sad. I hope everyone watch this dramatic play at least once. It has been a wonderful learning journey with amazing talented cast & creative crews. Our townies are rocks! Deeply appreciated to director James Fleming and Redtwist theatre company for this entire amazing experience & opportunity!