By 1910, he had become interested in pursuing a career in theater and began working as a stage manager for the renowned entertainer, composer, playwright and director
George M. Cohan. During this period, he met and became friends with a stage actor named
D.W. Griffith. His first films were made with Griffith by Biograph Company in New Jersey. When Griffith went to seek his fortune in Hollywood in 1912, Crisp accompanied him.