Meet Christopher Hall | Local Drag Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I know I found what I loved very quickly. I was once the Executive Director of a non-profit who worked with entertainers often. They often were the backbone to our success – often helping us raise thousands of dollars for causes. I soon thought to self… “I want to stop directing and simply show up and entertain. I don’t want the headache of being the Executive Director.” Here I am several years later still entertaining audiences, but the promoter within me wasn’t leaving. Now, I promote and entertain but why not make money doing what you love? I decided to do just that. I now get to make people smile, make a difference, raise money for others periodically all while getting paid myself. I once struggled to do these things but I no longer have to struggle.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day, I ensure that those with disabilities are not abused, neglected or exploited but by night I am a drag entertainer. I am the Executive Director of Miss Nature, LLC.

I am one of the few directors who strive to create shows in venues that are accessible to children. I also have booked more LGBTQIA+ entertainers in the last year than many of the other establishments in Tucson. We often give new entertainers an opportunity to showcase their art; this is one of my favorite aspects of what I do. We have had more drag kings, femmes, male entertainers, people of various ethnicities….. I would like to think any production we do is truly diverse.

When we raise money for others, most of those we raise money for are outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. We have raised thousands for Girl Scouts, veterans, animals, people with down syndrome, organizations who focus of the advancement of people of color, women who have been abused and countless other causes. We look to build and strengthen bridges across various communities for a better tomorrow.

We also do a lot of outreach in rural areas of the state often traveling and providing services to underserved areas of the state of Arizona.

The journey has been anything but easy, but when you remember why you do what you do, it does become less challenging.

I have learned plenty of lessons and I know I will learn many more during my lifetime. What I have learned more than anything is to stop and listen, reflect and take what you want from the situation in the hopes of never repeating the same mistakes. You will more than likely fall many times along the way and that is okay. You will not please everyone but if you are happy with what you are doing and knowing that you are not hurting others in the process, that’s all that needs to be known. Think about the impact you are making and let that be what drives you. All else will fall into place eventually with determination.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We are assuming that I had a friend coming to Arizona…..

I have traveled the country and seen all 50 states. With that said, I realize just how beautiful Arizona is and all that it has to offer. There are so many different climates, sceneries and things to experience that you can’t probably see it all in a week; however, I would consider the following places:

– Bobo’s in Tucson is one of my favorite places to eat. It is a quaint hole in the wall, but the food will leave you wanting to come back for more. The prices are reasonable and staff have always been sweet.

– Escape Rooms. We have so many in Tucson. They are my new addiction outside the casinos and far less expensive. 🙂

– Phoenix Zoo. I love zoos and of all the zoos in Arizona, Phoenix is among my favorites.

– Bisbee! It is such a small community that is absolutely gorgeous. It is full of art and like-minded people. It truly is a place I enjoy going and one that I often try to take visitors too.

– The drive between Sedona and Flagstaff. That stretch of road is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery in Arizona.

– Mount Lemmon is a remarkable place especially in the summer. You can get away from the heat and the views at night from atop this mountain are incredible. While in the area don’t forget 7 falls. What’s not better than 7 water falls? This is best done in the winter as the snow is melting. The water flows heavy but be warned….. it is cold!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success is contributed to many people in my life. My father is easily one of my biggest inspirations. He once did not support who I was as a person – a gay male! He now, is my biggest supporter. He has pushed me to be my absolute best. He always reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to. He often put my needs before his own. He truly is the definition of a great father. I also owe my success to all those who have been and continue to show up day in and day out. As entertainers, we are nothing without our audience. This is why I try to make connections with everyone. I invest in my art as a way to show respect to audiences. I can’t expect an audience to invest in me (tipping me, paying for products, paying for entertainment) if I’m not investing in self. I am who I am because of all the amazing people in my life and there are so many!

x

Instagram: Missnature_tucson

Facebook: Nature at Night

Other: Just search Miss Nature LLC or Nature at Night on Facebook. I often use my male page most which is Christopher Jay Hall. Most event sales for any events we do will be from Eventbrite. Follow Christopher Hall on Eventbrite (in Tucson). This is one of the best ways to stay informed.

Image Credits
First and last photo: Katelin Kinney Photography. All others, I took.