ABOUT ME

Sixteen years ago, I placed a simple piece of white paper in the corner of the rehearsal hall with these words typed on it: In this room, it is impossible to fail; go ahead, try it. At the first rehearsal of each production I direct, I read those words to the newly assembled company and ask for their reactions to it. What comes from the discussion is an invitation to play, to try different things in an effort to understand the story, and to support one another in their respective journeys. It sets the tone for the kind of environment in which we will create art.

I have great curiosity. I love being in a room with other artists, asking questions and hearing their ideas. I used to think that, as the director, I needed to walk into the first rehearsal with all of the answers; and because of that, I carried fear with me into the room: what if I don’t know something, what if I forget something, what if I say the wrong thing. As I have matured, I have allowed myself the confidence to say, “Let’s try, let’s learn, let’s figure it out together,” and, as a result, production meetings and rehearsals have been so much more fruitful and rewarding.

In Fall 2016, my curiosity led me to the first meeting of a newly-founded committee by the Quincy, IL Chamber of Commerce. What started as robust conversations with community members was shaped into the objective to bring awareness of diversity and inclusion to the business community. It kickstarted my now seven-year journey as an advocate in my personal and professional life. It has given me a lens through which I examine show logos, marketing, season selection, and relationship building. I must be willing to enter unfamiliar territory, ask questions, admit mistakes, and learn.

As an artistic director, when curating a theatrical season, I ask, “why this show and why now and why produce it alongside these other shows this year?” I select shows that will appeal to different tastes and experiences, that will lift us up, lead us to ask questions and engage in conversations, give us new ideas, and will, ultimately, make our community stronger.

My mission is to create quality theatre that is aesthetically pleasing, well-acted, and coherent in a space that thrives through collaboration. It's a commitment to deliver not just a play, but a “sense of occasion” and an exciting journey that captivates hearts and minds. I seek a playground where I can "do the work" with curious collaborators in a community that wants and supports excellence.

Perhaps it will be alongside you!