How did you get started with TD?
A constellation of wonderful folks had talked to me about TD before I finally connected with Ben Saypol back in 2014. I had been managing a new iteration of the project he’d started at UNC, Interactive Theatre Carolina, and a colleague referred me to him when he needed some extra facilitation help. Before finding interactive theatre for social change, I’d been a performer/writer/producer who also dabbled in almost any angle of theatre I could get involved in, and I’d spent time as a community college instructor helping adults earn their GEDs. Theatre for social change brought all this work together in a way that aligned with my values.
What is one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on?
I’ve been lucky to be a part of many absolutely beautiful conversations in this work. I remember leaving a “What’s Your Problem?” run at Iowa State and a “How Bout This Party” performance at Washington & Jefferson feeling especially inspired. I always have fun diving into new settings and challenges through the lens of script writing, too, but I often don’t get to see the finished products in performance!
What do you do outside of TD?
I teach acting and devising courses at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre and I’m just a few months away from completing a Master of Arts in Social Change degree from the Graduate Theological Union’s Starr King School for the Ministry. If all goes well, after that I’ll be ordained as an interfaith chaplain. I love working at the intersection of creativity, justice, and spirit.
What was your favorite self care strategy during the pandemic?
Getting outside every day has been crucial. I take my yoga mat into the field that faces my house whenever the weather allows, and I take lots of walks.
There is a big debate raging and we need your input – which bbq is better, your home state of NC? Or the new state of Georgia?
Oh geez, this answer isn’t going to win me many friends. I have deep, deep roots in North Carolina…but I’ve actually never been a huge fan of the bbq. There’s a spot in Atlanta I’m obsessed with: Community Q BBQ. They’ll give me a side of sweet sauce and a side of vinegar sauce…but I always use the sweet stuff!
Anything other fun facts you’d like to share about yourself?
Hm…I’ll offer a random assortment of gigs I’ve had in my life: I was a character model for the comic book G.I. Zombie; for a while I toured as a cowboy carton of milk in a puppet show; and I spent 2 years teaching English in Spain where I studied clown in my spare time.
