Get to know me

What role did theatre and the arts play in your childhood growing up?

I think the performing arts opened a door to a new world with unlimited possibilities. I was able to channel all my antsy energy into something that people would sit and be mesmerized by. I discovered a calling and I answered it enthusiastically.

What is your earliest memory of theatre/art? 

I attended Peter Pan as a child and I can remember being amazed that the actors were acting flying around over the stage above us. I recall thinking that I wanted to do that!

At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in theatre?

My junior year of high school, I asked my parents if they would be okay with me applying to summer stock theatres around the Midwest to see if I could get a job acting somewhere. For that summer, I was accepted by the MacLeod Playhouse in Carbondale, IL on a 7-week contract and they paid me a stipend to perform in two musicals and a cabaret. When I received my paycheck from the theatre, I said to myself, “I am a professional actor.” And from that day forward, I pursued as much acting work as possible. Eventually I developed other skills in the theatre (and in film) like writing, directing and producing that also provided income.

What was your college theatre experience like?

I was amazed at how talented and passionate the other students were. My undergrad program at USC had an independent student production program and I wrote my first play and directed it. I also got a chance to be in a production of Grease that was directed by Kelly Ward, one of the T-Birds from the movie. During one of the performances there was a power outage in the theatre so we did most of the second act with just a spotlight! My graduate program took place on a campus in Italy, and I loved learning a totally different approach to acting called Physical Theatre. I learned modalities like clowning, mime, and commedia dell’arte.

What was the biggest lesson you learned while working in the theatre world?

The Stage Manager is someone who can really make or break your experience in a professional run, so be very respectful to them. Once the show is running and the director leaves, the SM becomes all-powerful and the de facto director.

Since you have recently relocated to Fort Dodge, what are you most looking forward to as far as the theatre and arts scene goes?

I am looking forward to enjoying some of the concerts that we have coming to the Decker Auditorium this fall and to checking out some local community theatre, music, museums, and art!

Tell us about some of your theatre/arts related accomplishments.

·     Founding & Leading the Exuberant Theatre Company – Established a thriving New York City (and later San Diego–based) company performing shows and offering acting, improv comedy, and writing classes.

·      Directing and Producing Act Social– a feature film starring Colin Mochrie of Whose Line is it Anyway? that won the Film Heals Award at the 2021 Manhattan Film Festival.

·     International Acting Career – Performed professionally since age 16, with extensive experience on stage and screen, credits include: starring in Sony Playstation Videogame “Loading Human”, featured in RAI Italy network TV show Questo Nostro Amore, Italian National Tours for Action Theatre, Singer at Venetian Macau Casino in China, 2-year run in improv comedy show at New York City’s Broadway Comedy Club. Regional theatre credits at Tuacahn Ampitheatre in St. George, UT; Great Plains Theatre in Abilene, KS; and DramaRama in St. Louis, MO. Member Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild. Wrote and premiered 2 shows at International Theatre Festivals: Velo and Puppy Love.

·      Innovative Theatre Education – Created and taught signature programs such as the Act4Fun series, directed kids’ productions like Alice in Wonderland Jr., Matilda, Jr., and The Lion King Kids and specialty workshops in physical theatre, improv, clown and musical theatre.

·     MFA in Physical Theatre – Earned a Master of Fine Arts in Physical Theatre, integrating advanced performance techniques from internationally recognized training methods into my teaching, directing, and artistic projects.

Who is your biggest role model and why?

My dad. He is honest, hardworking, and has a good sense of humor. He really knows how to enjoy life, balancing work and play.

What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new Theatre role at Iowa Central Community College?

Building a community of artists who see themselves as empowered, worthy, and adding value to the world through their creative expression.

How do you spend your free time?

I love camping, hiking, swimming, and going out dancing.

What would you tell a student considering a career in theatre?

Work hard and keep an open mind. Something in the entertainment industry that you only dabble in now might eventually become your money-making niche and your passion.