Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Education: Hartt School, BFA, Actor Training
Select Credits: The Witches, Hartford Stage's A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Stage Door, The Importance of Being Earnest
Why theater?: I've been a performer as far back as I can remember. I actually learned to walk on my tip toes so my parents enrolled me in dance classes (which seemed a natural reaction). I transitioned into theater after awhile because I wanted to express myself through more than just dance. That connection you get while performing for a live audience is unlike any feeling in the world and I'm addicted to it! I love becoming other people and experiencing their life, their thoughts, their reactions, and sharing that journey with an audience.
Who do you play in Steve Got Raped: I play Katie. She's trying to be "the girl next door" but isn't sure if she fits what's expected of that mold. Katie is in her late 20s, engaged, and just finds out she's pregnant. I love playing this character because I think she's incredibly relatable to a generation of women who are trying to not only figure out who they are, but figure out where they fit once they do. Figuring out who you are is half the battle. Then what? What will you do with that? Can you stay true to your new found self along the way? I think she asks all the right questions and she's incredibly strong. By the end of the play, I'm really proud of her!
Tell us about Steve Got Raped: I first read this play about 2-3 years ago in a very "casual reading" setting. It stuck with me because it tackles serious issues within relationships, friendships, and growing up in such a real and hilarious way. I kept thinking, I know these people, these people are my friends, and I'm laughing with them but I'm crying with them too. Love. Rape. Abortion. Settling. Moving on. Growing up. These are all constantly surrounding our lives and I love the lens that Sam Gooley has presented them in.
What is it like being a part of Steve Got Raped?: Being apart of this play has been really exciting. I did a reading a couple years back, remembered and loved it, and now The New Collectives are producing it in The Fringe Festival. Being apart of a world premiere is a new experience for me and it's thrilling! Whether it's rewrites or character developments, producing notes or changes, I'm eating it all up! I feel this play has a very Neil LaBute feel to it and I just want to do the material justice. It's smart, fast, witty and serious. It has wonderful light hearted moments, but also deals with some extremely serious and heavy matter. It's wonderful to be involved in.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I'm one for the classics myself, so when I see a new adaption of a classic work, that really gets me going. Don't get me wrong, I love new works as well-but since my background lies more in the classics, I love seeing them flipped on their ear. I admire the new life, fresh eyes and a different way of experiencing a work that they're given. Something everyone has already seen a thousand times, but in a new light, excites me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Shakespeare's Queen Margaret, Blanche DuBois and any role, male or female, in Noises Off.
What’s your favorite showtune?: I really love Sondheim. I used to belt "Rose's Turn"when I was 10, but my favorite song is probably "Stay With Me" / "Children Will Listen" from Into The Woods.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Am I cliche? Fine then I'm cliche...Meryl Streep. That lady power! That grace! That TALENT!!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I mean, I wanna play me! But since I get to pick, right now Jennifer Lawrence because she's the bomb. Title would be....She's Tall and She'll Fall. Because I'm a tall lady and I'm pretty clumsy. My feet are too small for my stature. That, or Sargent Paine. My middle name is actually, I promise, Sargent Paine. I feel like it's too good not to utilize.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I'm pretty bummed I didn't see War Horse on Broadway but seeing the original opening night of Death of a Salesman or A View From the Bridge would be pretty cool. Or opening night of Oklahoma! That Golden Era on Broadway can't be beat.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Unfortunately, it closed but I saw the closing night of Blackbird in May and I'm still thinking about it. Just two actors in one room on stage really going through it for an hour and a half. I left thinking, "Wow, they just went through an emotional marathon up there. That was incredible to see." Also, I recommend Steve Got Raped. #shamelessplug
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I love "theme eating." When watching Game of Thrones, have to have wine and sausages. If it's close to a holiday I indulge in all the themed food that goes with it (candy canes and Christmas cookies) I'm that girl that gets the seasonal coffee drinks at Starbucks. Is it the week of Cinco de Mayo? All the tacos and all the coronas, please.
What’s up next?: The New Collectives has been working on a new adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's a contemporary, immersive take on the play that will take place in a bar, and Puck's the bartender! It's going to be awesome.
For more on Steve Got Raped, visit www.thenewcollectives.com