Meet The Team

Chris Krause (He/Him) is a Sanford native with a passion for theatre that has taken him from off-off Broadway stages in NYC to the heart of the Midwest. After graduating from Meridian High School, Chris pursued his love for the arts, earning a BFA in theatre from Central Michigan University. Seeking further training, he honed his craft at the prestigious Atlantic Acting School in NYC. During his six-year tenure in New York, Chris made waves as a versatile actor, gracing off-off Broadway productions and starring in independent films. Beyond his work on stage and screen, Chris found his niche as a skilled fight choreographer and live stunt performer, bringing intensity and authenticity to every performance. Now back in his hometown, Chris is excited to embark on this new chapter of his theatrical journey, bringing his wealth of experience and creativity to the vibrant arts community of Midland.

As a creative force, Chris also delved into writing, crafting compelling scripts for both stage and screen. His plays have captivated audiences with their wit, depth, and imaginative storytelling. Currently, The Friction Theatre is bringing his latest work, "The Three Musketeers," to life on stage.

Throughout his journey, Chris has been fortunate to collaborate closely with his wife, Megan Krause, a fellow theatre enthusiast. Together, they've founded The Friction Theatre, a company dedicated to bringing innovative and immersive theatrical experiences to audiences. Their shared passion for the arts drives them to create meaningful and memorable productions that resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls. 

 www.chrisjkrause.com

Megan Krause Meyer (She/Her) is a force to be reckoned with, having honed her craft at AMDA NYC, where she graduated in 2012. Since then, she's been setting stages ablaze across the country. From dazzling Broadway lights to the intimate settings of Off-Broadway in NYC.  Her journey took her from NYC to Orlando where she performed at multiple dinner theatre’s for years before landing here in Midland Michigan. She has worked in rep theatre’s including The Flint Rep in The Who’s Tommy with George Salazar. You may have caught her commanding the Lebowsky stage in Owosso, embodying iconic roles such as the fierce Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, the sultry Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and the unforgettable Evita in Evita. At the Midland Center for the Arts, Megan's star continued to rise, captivating audiences as the rebellious Maureen in Rent and the lovable Judy in White Christmas, where she also flexed her creative muscles as assistant director and choreographer. But Megan's artistic vision doesn't stop there. As the co-founder of The Friction Theatre, alongside her husband Chris Krause, she's been shaping the local theater scene, co-directing productions and choreographing electrifying musicals like Evil Dead the Musical, Cabaret, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Her choreography was most recently seen as well in The Wild Party at Pit and Balcony in Saginaw. Megan's talent even caught the eye of Broadway while here in Michigan as she made waves in the nationwide search for Chicago the Musical's top 10 Search for Roxie in 2019. With a repertoire that spans from the feisty Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical to the poignant Claire in Proof, she has a list of experiences. Other show credits include; Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Princess Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress, Marta in Company, Rona in Spelling Bee, Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown, Hope in Urinetown, and many more.  www.themeganmeyer.com 

Heather Koch (She/Her) is a Midland-based actor and director who thrives in roles full of personality and depth. Since earning a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Central Michigan University, she has brought a wide range of characters to life, from the bold Casey in First Date and the energetic Serena in Legally Blonde to the daring Spot Conlon in Newsies, and most recently, the quick-witted Stephanie in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass….

Behind the scenes, Heather has contributed her creative talents as an assistant director for productions including Into the Woods, Newsies, and The Women. Her work with Midland Center for the Arts, Bay City Players, Bronner Performing Arts, and Creative 360 reflects her commitment to collaboration and innovation.

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Earlier this spring, Heather earned her certification as an accredited performance judge with the National Speech & Debate Association, a role that reflects her passion for coaching performers and providing thoughtful, constructive feedback. Heather dreams of making Chicago her next big chapter, where she aims to build a career as a casting director. Her goal is not only to discover and elevate talent but also to inspire performers to bring their most authentic selves to the stage. Through casting, she hopes to shape stories that celebrate diversity and creativity while leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Heather is deeply inspired by the artistry and leadership of Megan and Chris at Friction Theatre. She admires their dedication to redefining what theatre can be - breaking boundaries in how, where, and for whom it is created, while making it accessible to all. Heather is proud to contribute to a company that challenges conventions and fosters a love of theatre in unexpected audiences, while also creating space for those who may not always feel at home in traditional theatre circles.