EDUCATION
M.F.A. - Theatre Management - Wayne State University
M.F.A. - Directing - University of Portland
B.S.ed - Speech and Theatre Education - Missouri State University
AWARDS
2019 Ad POP Award - National Gay Media Association - Angels in America
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VII - Meritorious Achievement in Sound Design- Woyzeck
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VII - Runner Up - SDC Directing Fellowship
Missouri State University Theatre and Dance Department Awards - Director of the Year
The goal of my work is to remind everyone that theatre is an event. I explore this through the relationship between the audience and the playing space. I look for occasions where I can explore a sense of immersion. This immersion goes beyond pulling the audience on stage, actors leaving the playing area, or even audiences walking through an abandoned space and exploring, but rather a moment of shared investment on the part of everyone. The arts should attack our senses; it moves us instinctually, emotionally, and intellectually, and for my work, I prefer that order. As a result, my work has focused on creating an atmosphere that encourages active participation, with the result being a much deeper level of engagement and investment in the event.
Originally from Missouri, I received my B.S.Ed in Speech and Theatre Education from Missouri State University and seized the opportunity to open my first theatre, Springfield 2nd Stage—a 150+ seat black-box performance space. After two years of producing art as the Artistic Director, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Portland, Oregon. There, I created The Factory Theatre and was able to continue my education, earning an M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Portland. While in Portland, over the course of nine years, I had the privilege to work with a variety of talented artists, theatres, and companies. To further my pursuit of Artistic Leadership, I then moved to Detroit, MI, where I completed an M.F.A in Theatre Management at Wayne State University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I pivoted and explored various digital performance forms and created The Theatron Project. With my range of experiences in multiple cities and with multiple artists, I'm confident I can add to any fresh perspective of any organization I am a part of.
I have had the opportunity to hold a variety of roles and leadership positions, and the key to success I have found is collaboration. My experience in both the artistic and administrative sides of the performing arts has allowed me to understand the importance of having a unified vision and the need to be well-rounded. The need to "wear many hats" and have a well-rounded knowledge of the arts' inner workings, in my view, is essential. I enjoy mentoring, advising, and supporting others. I have truly flourished in positions that have allowed me to be a catalyst for change, a helpful listener, and an encourager of success. This ability has made me a better collaborator. While I organize and execute administrative and creative tasks, I see their impact on the organization's storytelling, mission, and messaging. I bring this to the table, along with a passion for the arts, experience with the administrative and artistic side, and a highly organized work ethic.