In a recitation of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at three years old, Richard Crossman knew even then that he was meant to be a performer. Appearing in musical theatre, opera performances and concerts, he has spent over 30 years on stage. He can sing in six different languages: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Latin. He’s also a gifted musician as a pianist and has taught voice, piano and music theory. Richard has also been a church organist and choir director for 50 years and counting.
This tenor was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and spent a lot of time with his family in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Richard’s creativity has found expression not only on stage but also in costume design. His mother taught him to sew as a child and he began designing and building costumes for film, television, theatre and the circus in his Toronto shop. He’s made costumes for Jason Momoa, John Hurt and Mads Mikkelsen, to name a few.
Coming from a family of amazing cooks, it’s no surprise that Richard decided to train as a chef, learning all aspects of the art: savory, baking, pastry, chocolate and sugar work. He learned his culinary craft in classical French kitchens under Swiss, German and Italian chefs. He also became a chocolatier learning from Austrian and French chefs. For nearly 25 years, Crossman used his food skills teaching at secondary and post-secondary levels before taking on consulting and management positions in the field.
Richard is still sewing and designing but this time for one of the most famous men on the planet: Santa Claus! He designs and builds costumes for Santa Clauses all over Canada (and yes, he has created all his own professional Santa garb for 40 years). His many years of storytelling on stage and as Santa led to his next creative transition into voiceover.
Having done voiceover for medical narration, corporate training, e-learning, corporate explainers, telephony/IVR, and now audiobooks, one of Richard’s favorite places to perform is behind the microphone. His favorite genres are science, history, politics, romance, mystery, and nonfiction.
Richard is currently living in Simcoe Ontario with his cat Boo, and his
collection of medieval weapons.
Contact Richard
