Green Room Fundraiser for Cristin McAlister

Cristin McAlister touched the lives of so many artists in Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond. As a beloved teacher at The Green Room since 2010, she helped nurture the careers and spirits of countless actors—always with heart, humor, and a fierce belief in every student’s potential.

When Cristin lost her battle with tongue cancer this past year, our hearts broke. Her presence, mentorship, and artistry are deeply missed. As her friends, colleagues, and the community she helped build, we want to do all we can to honor her legacy and support her husband, James, during this incredibly difficult time.

Cristin made a final request: that her life be celebrated in the three cities she called home—New Orleans, Chicago, and Los Angeles—so friends and loved ones across the country could gather, grieve, and remember her joyfully. This GoFundMe aims to raise funds to help James cover the costs of these memorial services and ease the overwhelming financial burden he now carries.

James was Cristin’s full-time caregiver throughout her illness—managing treatments, medications, and feeding tubes with love and tireless devotion. Now we want to support him as he transitions back into work and finds space to grieve, rest, and begin to heal.

A Special Event in Cristin’s Honor

As part of this fundraiser, The Green Room is hosting a special online industry night on Tuesday, June 24th, from 7–10 pm CT.

Join us and FOUR MAJOR CASTING DIRECTORS to raise money in memory of Cristin McAlister.

Virginia Anello, CSA - Casting Director - O'Connor Casting

Jessica Lyons, CSA - Casting Director - O'Connor Casting

Mickie Paskal, CSA - Casting Director - Paskal Rudnicke Casting

Jennifer Rudnicke, CSA - Casting Director - Paskal Rudnicke Casting

Donate $99 or more to register to hear these casting directors:

Share valuable industry insights

Answer your burning questions

Provide feedback on scene work from each registrant

Spots are limited to 50 participants, so we encourage you to register early!

This night is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of Cristin’s passion for art, performance, and connection. We hope you’ll join us in giving back to someone who gave so much to all of us.

If you knew Cristin, you know what a light she was. If you didn’t, we hope you’ll come to know her through the love and community she inspired. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us honor her life and support James as he continues the next chapter without her.

With deep gratitude,

The Green Room Team

(100% of the proceeds go to James in honor of Cristin)