Hometown: NYC
Education: BFA, University of Texas at Austin, Brasenose College Oxford, MFA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Favorite Credits: Founding Partner: manhattantheatresource, Founder: Estrogenius, Producing Partner: Broadway Production of Radio Golf, Actor: Toronto Premiere of Ashes to Ashes
Why theater?: I remember my first theatrical experience like it was yesterday. My parents took me to a play in London when I was about 4 years old & when the curtain came down, I couldn’t believe the world outside was still carrying on. I had been utterly transported & I was hooked.
Tell us about Estrogenius Festival: The House Rules… the source & Estrogenius operate with 4 house rules that I believe are essential for collaboration & they’re also pretty good rules for life: 1.Principles before personalities, 2.Share your information, 3. Practice generosity of spirit, 4. Clean up after yourself!
What inspired you to write A Place for Owls?: I am fascinated by the use of propaganda ~ how people are manipulated by selective use of information & fear tactics
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Almost any kind of theatre can be inspiring if it’s done well with passion & care. I’m drawn to productions that are resourceful & creative rather than big budget affairs. I’m compelled by writing that has a world view, a sense of compassion & humor, original thinking & intelligent use of language. I love Cate Blanchett & Meryl Streep in practically everything. Tom Stoppard & Caryl Churchill are two of my very favorite, well-known writers. I also really appreciate the novels of Ian McEwan, Libba Bray & David Mitchell.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: There are so many ~ Helen Mirren, Mike Leigh, Joss Whedon, not to mention the scores of brilliant, independent artists whose names don’t ring out (yet!).
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Plays by Mac Rogers, Vincent Marano, Sheila Callaghan & Bekah Brunstetter ~ all very talented source alums.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I can’t think of an answer that doesn’t sound impossibly pretentious so I’m pleading the fifth here!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Spy stories
What’s the most played song on your iPod?: Anything Leonard Cohen
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be______: In the Foreign Service, or international relations, perhaps? I love to travel & experience new cultures.
What’s up next?: My husband, Jon Ecklund & I recently relocated from NYC to Charlotte where we plan to build an audio & video studio for our video production company Dream Out Loud Media. Hopefully, there’s a feature in our future!