Overview

I find my joy in bringing students of all ages the ability to apply their knowledge of technical theatre to real world problems and situations. I encourage students to take artistic risks and engage in self-evaluation. I enjoy working backstage and figuring out the logistical puzzles of wardrobe and quick changes. Because of my musical background, I have a particular interest in opera and musical theatrethough my passion is for the storytelling inherent to the performing arts as a whole.  
 
My history as a first-generation college student from a lower-middle class family drives my desire to increase accessibility to the arts across the region. In many spaces around the world, the arts are viewed as a luxury or a hobbyat the core of my thinking is the fact that art is essential, it is intrinsic, and it is valid work worth a real income and a livable wage.

Information

Academic Interests and Expertise

MFA in Theatrical Design and Production (Costume) The University of Memphis 
 
BM in Voice Performance, Theatre Minor Bowling Green State University

Professional Experience

Costumer/Instructor Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, Michigan  
Costume Shop Supervisor Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. 
 
In recent years, her costuming and wardrobe work has been seen at Music Theatre Wichita, Saginaw Valley State University, Rhodes College, Opera Omaha, the BLUEBARN Theatre, Opera Memphis, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Germantown Community Theatre, and The University of Memphis. Some favorite past productions include designing MIRETTE for Music Theatre Wichita with director Wayne Bryan, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead with director Paul Revaz and Sondheim's COMPANY with director Teddy Eck. She also had the privilege to design the workshop production of Donna Hoke's SAFE with director Dave Rzeszutek at SVSU prior to its March 2016 world premiere at Road Less Traveled Productions in Buffalo, New York. She has created and led youth costuming workshops for Opera Omaha, the Tennessee Thespian Conference, and Germantown Community Theatre. 
 
Professional Memberships: 
United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) 
Costume Professionals for Wage Equity (CPfWE)

Areas of Service

Adjudicator for the Music Theatre Wichita Jester Awards

Other Interests

Wage Equity in the Arts, Fair Labor Standards, Workplace Safety, Bookkeeping, Animal Rescue, Houseplants, Gordon Ramsay's cooking shows, Tabletop Gaming, Home Renovation