“An artist is here not to give you answers but to ask you questions." - James Baldwin
Artistic statement
WHo’s this Guy??
I was born under the big sky of Montana. I spent my formative years climbing mountains and swimming in frigid glacial lakes, but my family couldn’t help but notice my deep love of stories and flair for the dramatic. I attended a state school for my BFA in Acting, lured primarily by the promise of less student debt (lol) and a prolonged tenure in the treasure state. After honing my craft and making lifelong relationships, I graduated with honors as “Outstanding Senior” at the University of Montana’s School of Theatre & Dance and moved to Chicago. In the convening years, I’ve taken classes with companies like Remy Bumppo, Vagabond, and Acting Studio of Chicago. I also co-founded Here’s The Exit, a new Chicago storefront theatre.
When not engaged in artistic collaboration, I make my living caring for folks with memory loss. Offering this intimate support to these individuals and their families as they grapple with such difficult transitions, is a deeply fulfilling privilege. My clients teach me so much about joy, stillness, compassion, and presence, all things I pour into my art and relationships.
I spend my free time communing with my exquisite, big-hearted friends and chosen family, playing with my cat, or pushing the boundaries of my library holds. Most days you can find me being inspired by the work of my theatrical peers, cooking another New York Times recipe, or riding my bike around the city.
Being human is a gift. Being a modern human is a minefield.
The post-colonial status quo built upon white supremacy, patriarchy, transphobia, and human exceptionalism is poisoning our planet, ravaging our communities, and hollowing out our spirits. This hydra of extraction and exploitation has a bottomless appetite, and none of us, even its devotees, will be spared.
We’ve achieved “dominion” over the planet, and to what end? What is the point? Have all of the wealth, power, and THINGS we’ve acquired brought us any purpose or joy? When the systems we’ve built know only how to destroy, how do we create? How do we find a path forward?
As you may have guessed from the quote at the top of the page: I don’t have the answers. Rather, I have dedicated my life to the asking, and art, specifically live theatre, is my compass in this pursuit.
Art opens our eyes and injects meaning into our lives. Art is the mouthpiece of revolution. Art is tool we use to understand each other and this strange existence we find ourselves in. Art invites us to learn from the past and imagine a better future.
I am drawn to theatre because I have always been fascinated by stories, and I am even more fascinated by what it takes to tell those stories in community. I believe that all of the best things we do, we do together. My hope as a collaborator is to show up with a willingness to learn and grow and to make space in the room for your humanity in all its unique imperfection. Hopefully together, and with the audience, we can find some meaning amidst the chaos.
FAQ
Why CHicago?
I was in love with the Windy City from the first time I visited. As my time living in Chicago grows, I only grow more fond of it’s vitality, diversity, warmth, originality, and indomitable spirit. It is not the storied history, unparalleled food scene, and luscious greenspace that set Chicago apart, but its people. I take constant inspiration from the humans that make up the tapestry of our community, in particular, my fellow artists. The theatre scene in Chicago is risk-taking, open-hearted, and collaborative. I am beyond grateful to be a young creator making art in this town.
Montana?? What’s that like?
I grew up on land stolen from and stewarded by the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Apsáalooke, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsétsėhéstȧhese/Tsitsistas/Só'taeo'o, Salish, Shoshone-Bannock, and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis peoples.
Folks in Montana call it the “last best place” for a reason. I’m so grateful I got to spend my childhood surrounded by such raw natural beauty. Conversely, what Montana has in majestic landscapes, it lacks in culture. Cows outnumber the people a hundred to one. There are not abundant opportunities for creatives, though there are beautiful pockets of artistry to be found, if you know where to look.
Also, no, I did not ride a horse to school.
PLAYS
Do You Feel Anger? by Mara Nelson-Greenberg
Still by Jen Silverman
English by Sanaz Toosi
Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury
Twelfth Night by Willie Shakes
Sweat by Lynn Nottage
MOVIES
Little Miss Sunshine
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Florida Project
Beginners
Perfect Days
Worst Person in the World
BOOKS
The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Neopolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis