Christine James (Chrisse) Bornstein (née Girgulus) was born on February 21, 1930. She attended the University of Saskatchewan, from which she earned a B.A. in 1952. While there, she began her involvement in theatre. Chrisse has had a long career in both amateur and professional theatre in Saskatchewan, working as actor, director, and in various additional stage/production capacities. She has worked for almost every theatre company in Saskatoon, including the Greystone Theatre (University of Saskatchewan); Gateway Players, Persephone Theatre, and Saskatoon Summer Players. Chrisse has earned numerous awards at the Saskatchewan Drama Festival for her work, including Best Actress, Best Director, and Best supporting actress. She married artist Eli Bornstein in 1965; they have two daughters.