Hometown: Somewhere near Hillsboro, Indiana
Education: Purdue University. I currently study Strasberg technique with David Gideon.
Select Credits: Match Girl in Times, Scream & Hurry (originated the role on both coasts) Chrissy in The Boom Boom Room, Deborah in Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Porsche Chevrolet (my favorite character name ever!) in Antony Raymond's Julio.
Why theater?: I adore the #Process. A thought or idea that turns into a first draft, that by some crazy miracle, turns into a show. The #Collaboration of so many people to make something that is ever-changing inspires me. And the adrenaline of storytelling in front of a live audience, the fact that it can never be the same experience for them, or for me, and ANYTHING can happen, fills me with dreadful excitement.
Who do you play in The Title Should Be Spoken Out Loud Around Three-Quarters In?: Sophie, Bartender/Dancer... (shrug)...Bartender (who mostly loves her job)
Tell us about The Title Should Be Spoken Out Loud Around Three-Quarters In?: It's about 2 guys who are writing a play in the bar where I work. It's about life, love, friendship, art, and what we have to sacrifice (or not) in order to participate in any or all of those things. So it's about "everything and nothing". "It's a comedy but it's a little sad at times."
What is it like being a part of The Title Should Be Spoken Out Loud Around Three-Quarters In?: So. Much. Fun.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I can find something in most shows and/or scripts that inspire me. But when I'm taken to the place and time and am moved by the relationships on the page and the connection of the actors on the stage, that's the best. I am currently doing a solo show study (because I am writing one). I am addicted to hearing people's stories. I have seen over 80 solo shows in the last couple of years and what inspires me is the truth, the whole truth, even if it's fiction. I want to learn something and feel something when I go to the theatre. My teachers inspire me every time I see them, David Gideon, Judy Gold, Jane Guyer Fujita...and others.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: All the women in August Osage County.
What’s your favorite showtune?:“Seasons of Love”, “Popular.”
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Dakota Fanning as a younger me and Lesley Mann (people always tell me I remind them of her) as a little older me. “86’d, A Waitress's Story.”
If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: Ellen Burtyn, Toni Colette, Marin Ireland and me in a production of August: Osage County.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Oh, dang, this list could go on forever... Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf? (Before I've read the play), The Big Knife, Waiting for Lefty, Hurley Burley, Bash, the original Rent, Steppenwolf's Balm in Gilead... It's endless.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The best thing I've seen all year is Bedlams Sense & Sensibility.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Taco Bell and seared foie gras (not necessarily in that order).
What’s up next?: I'm recurring in a new series "Life, Coached." My character's name is Alyssa. And I am almost finished writing a solo show I plan on doing in different cities in the US and in Edinburgh called How to Find a Husband in 37 Years or Longer.