Musical Theatre Grad Kristin Serafini Returns to Pittsburgh Playhouse Stage to Perform in "Christmas Live! with Joe Serafini & Friends" Alumni Profile
Meet Kristin Serafini
- Major/Program
- Musical Theatre
- Minor
- Dance (Jazz)
- Hometown
- Bethel Park, Pa.
- High School
- Bethel Park High School
"Returning to the Pittsburgh Playhouse was incredibly special for me! Growing up doing theatre in Pittsburgh and training at Point Park shaped so much of who I am as both a performer and a person. Coming back to my roots for this show felt like a full-circle moment."
Highlight your career path since graduating from Point Park University.
I moved to New York City and auditioned like crazy following graduation. After doing the non-equity grind, I earned my Actor’s Equity Card through a TheaterWorks tour of "Pete The Cat." I then joined Disney Cruise Line as a mainstage performer, where I had the incredible opportunity to play Rapunzel in "Tangled: The Musical" and Belle in "Disney Dreams." Shortly after completing that contract, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I relocated to Los Angeles.
Since moving to L.A., I’ve focused on expanding into television and film acting. I’ve worked on projects like "Liquid Joy," a student film at the University of California, Los Angeles, and honed my comedic skills through improv classes at The Groundlings School. I’m excited to continue pursuing opportunities in TV and film, and I’ve also started writing.
You recently returned to campus to perform in "Christmas Live! with Joe Serafini & Friends." Tell us more about that.
"Christmas Live! with Joe Serafini & Friends" was a heartfelt celebration of love, family and the music that brings us all together at this special time of year. Joe is my youngest brother, and while all four of my siblings and I grew up singing together, he and I share a unique bond because we’ve both pursued performing as our professional careers. I was thrilled when he asked me to be part of the show, where I had the chance to sing "Merry Christmas, Darling" and perform a duet of "Sleigh Ride" with him — our mom’s favorite Christmas carol.
Joe did a beautiful job of drawing from his own Christmas memories to create a show that captured the magic of the season and reminded us of the importance of holding each other close, especially during this special time of year. One of my favorite moments was when he sang his original Christmas song, "Evergreen Love," which he released this year. It was a truly magical evening, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.
How special was it for you to return to the Pittsburgh Playhouse stage?
Returning to the Pittsburgh Playhouse was incredibly special for me! Since I graduated in 2015, all of my Playhouse memories are tied to the former building in Oakland, so it was an honor to perform in the beautiful, new venue on Point Park's campus in Downtown Pittsburgh. Growing up doing theatre in Pittsburgh and training at Point Park shaped so much of who I am as both a performer and a person. Coming back to my roots for this show felt like a full-circle moment.
What do you hope the audience took away from the show?
I hope the audience left the show feeling the holiday spirit and reflecting on the memories, traditions and loved ones that make this time of year so special. Christmas is such a magical season, and I think the show beautifully captured the joy and warmth that comes from being with family and cherishing those meaningful moments. I hope that it inspired everyone to hold their own loved ones a little closer and celebrate the traditions that bring them together.
What are some of your favorite college memories?
I have so many great memories from college that it’s hard to pick just some! One thing that stands out is how much I loved watching shows while I was in school. Whether it was a professional production, a school production or something student-produced, I tried to see everything I could. Watching my peers and fellow actors perform was so inspiring. Even if I didn’t love a show, I always walked away with something new — a fresh perspective, a creative idea or a lesson I hadn’t thought about before. It was a great way to grow as a performer and a person.
What advice would you give a student applying and auditioning to Point Park’s theatre department?
My biggest advice is to be intentional about practicing and preparing your audition material — put in the work ahead of time so that when it’s time to perform, you can trust yourself, enjoy the moment and have fun! Be yourself and own what makes you unique — no one else can bring what you bring to the table. When you’re having fun and truly enjoying what you’re doing, it shines through, and the people watching you will feel it, too.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Remember that what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. Pursuing a career in the arts is not easy, and we won’t always understand why things do or don’t go a certain way in the moment. I always try to remind myself that my career is a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady wins the race, and comparison is truly the thief of joy. It’s easier said than done, but try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different and unique to them, and it’s important to celebrate all victories, big and small, along the way.