About
Originally from Ohio, I'm currently a bit of a nomad. In the past three years, I have worked in half a dozen states. As a theatre artist, I am interested in contemporary stagings of classical work, magical realism, and dark comedy. I'm excited by work that uses humor to address the complicated and difficult parts of life.
Directing Philosophy
Over the past few years, I have realized that as a young woman of color, I want to be a leader who encourages and guides other artists in creating theatre that is joyful and revolutionary in a safe and productive space for collaboration.
I am excited by stories that use humor to address the complicated and difficult parts of life as well as those that highlight the joy and struggle of marginalized communities. I am interested in collaborating with playwrights on new work and revitalizing classic works through a contemporary lens. My practice is focused on emphasizing joy and humor. The world is usually on fire and stressful enough on its own. I believe that the theatre can be a place to see the world with a little bit more light. Even when working on heavy and difficult material, I generally work to get the rehearsal room positive and joyful.
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I am also very interested in using movement as a form of storytelling. The body knows so much, all we need is to listen to it. I believe theatre is most engaging and impactful when we tap into expressive movement and vocal energy to build something bigger than life and otherworldly. I have studied Laban/Bartenieff Movement Analysis and Japanese Butoh dance as a way of exploring physicality and imagery in acting performance. I also have training in intimacy choreography and direction which helps me to create safe, brave, and trusting spaces for the actors to explore their physical expression.
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Recently, I have also uncovered a love for applied theatre and theatre that can more specifically engage different communities. I believe passionately theatre can be so empowering to marginalized groups and should be made accessible. I have worked on educational theatre, charity performances, and therapeutic acting workshops. I want to make theatre that can impact individuals as well as communities.
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I'm inspired by the directing styles of George C. Wolfe and Mary Zimmerman. Favorite playwrights contemporary playwrights include Lynn Nottage, Lauren Yee, Karen Zacarias, Naomi Iizuka, and Caridad Svich.
Teaching
I believe the role of the theatre teacher is to empower students to be brave, creative, and critical. Not all students will commit to a professional life in the theatre, but all students can benefit from the lessons in empathy, reflection, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-confidence that are important to success in life. As a theatre artist particularly interested in inclusivity, anti-racism, and equitable practices, I believe these skills are vital to the development of a better theatre industry and general citizenry.
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An inclusive classroom recognizes, respects, and responds to the experiences and identities of those within it. In my course design, I work to ensure my teaching materials challenge the traditional cannon to include the contributions of women and people of color. As I prepare to teach more Eurocentric concepts, I look for new and underrepresented perspectives and theories of theatrical practice to expose the students to the myriad of ways theatre can be created.
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I am inspired by the Universal Design for Learning framework which asks teachers to engage different ways of thinking and meet students where they are to challenge them. In my classes, I teach using multiple mediums and provide assignments to engage different styles of learning. It is important to me to find ways to praise behavior. I take joy in learning, and I want my students to be able to feel this way as well. Their achievements, no matter how small, should be celebrated.
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I believe deeply in the role of theatre teacher as mentor. Teachers have the ability to inspire, but that can only happen when we are invested in our students as full and complete humans. In a creative field such as theatre, it is so important to devote time and energy in this way, as much of our work has to do with our spirits. As valuable as academic performance is, students are not just brains to feed. I engage with my students on who they are and what they dream of doing. In this way, I help create investment in the course material as well as a sense of practical applicability. At the end of the day, even if the student hates the material, it is important to me for them to know they are valued and cared about.
