Matti-Lynn Chrisman is our fourth finalist in the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra singing competition.
Matti-Lynn Chrisman harkens from Cambridge, OH. Having recently graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Musical Theatre and Public Communication, she is working at Mechanics Bank in downtown Mansfield.
Singing started very early for Matti-Lynn. As a toddler, her first performance was of "Jesus Loves Me" on a tiny church stage where her grandfather was the Pastor. Her favorite artists and groups (at the moment) are Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Ariana Grande, and Rex Orange County. The last song that made her cry was "Emoji of a Wave" by John Mayer.
One of her most memorable performances was getting to perform “The Life of the Party” from the musical Wild Party on the Miss America stage in Atlantic City, NJ. "I’d worked hard for almost a decade to stand on that stage as Ohio’s representative. Getting to belt out one of my heart songs in that historic hall is one of my proudest moments."
However, as all performers know, sooner or later there is an "uh-oh" moment and Matti-Lynn's actually happened at the Renaissance. "I was on the entertainment crew for the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program in 2017. During a tap number with some of my fellow dance members, I slipped on some beads that had fallen off of a contestant’s evening gown. When I fell, I landed on a hip that I had injured previously. It was both embarrassing and painful."
Matti-Lynn has performed on many different stages, but she entered this singing competition for the chance to perform with a full orchestra. "Not everyone gets the opportunity to have a beautiful, full sound like that backing them for a solo performance," said Chrisman.
On March 21 at Mash-up, Matti-Lynn will be singing "Shallow" by Lady Gaga. "I’ve never performed this song before, so I’m excited to see how it goes." And, if you happen to be backstage, you will see Matti-Lynn prepare by stretching all her muscles and drinking a lot of water.