Originally from Cedar Springs, MI, I found my love of theater from my community, both at Cedar Springs High School and Grand Rapids Civic Theater. I went to Central Michigan University for my BFA in Acting/Directing. As a student, I acted, directed, props designed, sound designed, and fulfilled various other technical duties. I was a co-captain of Trap Door Improv, the CMU Theatre Sponsored improv group, and Vice President of the Kappa Theta Chapter of Alpha Psi Omega. I have a strong background in movement and improvisation, and use those skills in my acting and directing styles. I am currently based in Midland, MI where my directing work can be seen at theatres like Midland Center for the Arts and Bay City Players.
Theatre is community. It is overhearing a story being told on public transit. It is watching a street performer and the crowd that surrounds them. It is late night dinner parties with your friends and neighbors. The stories we tell are direct reflections of the communities we are engaging in. By highlighting ensemble work and the development of theatre as an aspect of community, it helps us to tell to the most honest versions of the stories we choose. It doesn't matter if the play takes place in a fairy tale kingdom, New York City, or Imperial Russia. The story you tell is a mirror of the society we create art in.
I became interested in theater because of an opportunity to see a free show in 3rd grade, which changed my life. As an actor and director, I want to continue to make theater more accessible for audiences. Everything from how we can make shows economically accessible to our communities to working with designers on how we can make sensory-friendly experiences for actors and audiences. This also includes introducing our communities to high quality and challenging theatrical content that they might not get the chance to see. I am an advocate first and foremost for theater to be an accessible and non-gatekept artform.