Unsung Heroes:

Chris Dockum, Education Music Director and
Mamma Mia Sing-Along Co-Writer and Performer

In this month’s Unsung Heroes spotlight - where we recognize those who make magic happen from behind the curtain - we recognize Chris Dockum, Citadel Education music director and co-writer, music director and performer in Citadel Theatre’s Mamma Mia! Sing-Along. Chris has loved musical theatre from an early age, especially once he first saw The Music Man (as a native Iowan, of course this is the first musical he remembers seeing). He earned his BA in Vocal Performance and Music Education from the University of Iowa. Chris taught music in public schools for six years and directed school musicals, including Into the Woods and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Chris has worked with Citadel Education since the fall of 2024, when he served as music director for SIX: Teen Edition. He has worked on every education show since then, and he has been gratified to see the growth the students have made in two years. Music directing involves teaching students the music, making adjustments to create the best sound and running the orchestra software during the shows. Highlights have included perfecting one of his favorite musical trios in Shrek Jr., serving as the on-stage dying robot fortune teller narrator while also being in control of the sound in Ride the Cyclone: High School Edition and finally getting to teach Golden Age and Sondheim songs to the students in Broadway Bootcamp.

Chris believes that everybody can sing, and his goal is to empower every student with the confidence in their skills. As several Citadel students no longer have music classes in their schools, Chris is proud to be their primary music educator. Arts education grants students opportunities for teamwork, problem solving and creative outlets; and while music should absolutely be taught in school, Chris is glad that Citadel Education is able to provide this to students.

This summer, Chris is currently finishing work on Bye Bye Birdie (performances July 10-12) and starting preparation for The Lightning Thief (performances August 7-9).  He is also STARRING (in the ensemble) in Citadel’s outdoor extravaganza fundraiser Mamma Mia! Sing-along. ABBA just makes people happy, and he has worked with director Erin Ammer to make the whole ordeal very silly in all the ways it deserves.

Being a part of the Citadel family has been incredibly rewarding for Chris. Working with the education team has been collaborative and joyful, and joining in the various unexpected performance opportunities has been satisfying and educational.  He hopes everyone can see the Education shows this summer and the exciting line-up in the fall!