Christian Keyes, a Ferris State University alumnus, is returning to his Big Rapids
roots for the “Apollo Showcase” on Saturday, Oct. 13 during the university’s homecoming
celebration. The event is sponsored by Ferris’ Office of Multicultural Student Services.
Keyes, an actor, singer and producer, will host the event from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Rankin Student Center Dome Room. The finalists from an Oct. 2 tryout advance to the Oct. 13 showcase that will award a cash prize and a trophy to the winner.
In addition to the “Apollo Showcase,” Keyes will host a screening of his film, “Note to Self,” at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12 in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center, Room 120. A question-and-answer session with Keyes, from 8 to 9 p.m. in IRC 120, will follow the screening.
“I’m really excited to be coming back to visit Ferris. The school and the people there had a lot to do with who I am today and with me even wanting to be in the entertainment business,” said Keyes, who lives in Los Angeles. “I left foster care and enrolled at Ferris State University days later, and it helped change my life. I’m still a Bulldog.”
The opportunity to return to Ferris is one that Keyes, who among many career opportunities had a role in the Tyler Perry film “Madea Goes to Jail,” is ready to enjoy. He hopes to show how the Ferris experience helped shape his success, and perhaps inspire current students to pursue their dreams.
“I am also really grateful to be able to show the students my new film, ‘Note to Self.’ I think it will be good for them to see someone that was and is just like them, living their dream, writing movies and doing multiple TV and film projects,” Keyes said. “Hopefully it will motivate someone to say “If he can do it, why can’t I?’ And, the answer is that they can do it. So, I’ll see everyone Friday, at the screening of the film, and Saturday, at the Apollo.”