What was your major?
While attending St. Ambrose University I triple majored in Theatre, Fine Arts, and Graphic Design. I basically spent my whole college life in Galvin Fine Arts Center either attending classes, working in a studio or rehearsing and performing in plays. I loved every minute of it!
What year did you graduate?
I graduated in 2003.
What did you do post graduation and what are you doing currently?
Post graduation I moved to Charleston, SC. I had visited Charleston during spring breaks throughout college and fell in love with the historic city and the South. I also had my eye set on Dock Street Theatre which is located in Charleston and considered the oldest theatre in America. I knew upon graduation that I wanted to have a career in theatre arts administration, primarily utilizing my graphic design skills, but I was also hoping I could act on the side to fulfill my acting bug. I soon was hired by Charleston Stage, the theatre company in residence at Dock Street Theatre, and have been working there for the last 9 years (starting as the Box Office Manager and working my way up to Director of Marketing).
As the Director of Marketing for Charleston Stage my primary duty for the company is graphic design, and I design all marketing collateral, manage the website, and handle all social media marketing for the company. AND, I also act with the company throughout their MainStage season. I'm currently in rehearsals for You Can't Take It With You which opens August 29. I'm very proud to work for Charleston Stage, a theatre company who's main mission is theatre education. Along with performing a Main Stage season of plays for the community, the company also teaches youth theatre classes and holds special school performances throughout the year for local schools. The exciting thing about Charleston as a city is that it has a thriving arts scene, especially a diverse theatre scene. There are at least 10 other theatre companies in town, many of which I've also performed with. Charleston also has one of the biggest arts festivals in the U.S. called Spoleto Festival. It's a festival that occurs for three weeks every summer celebrating all art forms: dance, theatre, music, opera, and fine arts.
What was your favorite memory from Ambrose?
It's hard to narrow it down to one. My favorite memories from Ambrose probably stem around our theatre department's involvement in ACTF. One year, we took our production of Anton In Show Business to ACTF where myself and five other actresses performed during the festival. It was such an amazing experience for all of us.
My other favorite memory from ACTF was during my final year at SAU and making it into the final round with my scene partner Jill Schmits. Again, another unforgettable experience.
I have to say, though, that my absolute favorite thing about St. Ambrose University was the training that I received from professors Cory Johnson and Mike Kennedy. Cory and Mike completely molded me into the actress I have become today and continue to inspire me even now that I am 11 years out of college. I'm always asking myself "what would Cory or Mike do" anytime I'm working on character development or about to step on stage ... no joke.
What do you miss most about the department?
Hands down, I miss all of the theatre professors and the education I received daily from them. I loved being engulfed in that environment every day and the focused and unique training that I personally received from each and every one of my SAU professors. The department was my family and are definitely now my life-long friends. I wouldn't have traded my experience at SAU for anything.
What inspires you today?
Inspiration today definitely comes from my colleagues and fellow actors. There's always room for me to grow not only as an actor but also as a designer, and I'm definitely growing from the experiences I share with the people I encounter throughout my theatre career in Charleston (as well as the experiences I had at SAU). I never take a moment for granted and always look to learn something from everyone I work with.
What was your biggest post-SAU surprise?
I think my biggest surprise was that determination and drive eventually will get you what you want, and for me it was landing a job at Charleston Stage. It's true what everyone says: if you have that drive and are focused on the end goal, you will get it.
Any advice for current students?
I knew upon graduating that I wanted a career in theatre and that didn't necessarily mean for me that it solely had to be acting. My main focus – and this is actually the advice I want to give to all current students – is to learn as much you can about the craft of theatre. I advise students to learn about the acting side, the various areas of theatre design, other focused areas such as playwriting, directing, backstage work, administration, etc. Because it's all of this training that will mold you into the person that you will become in the arts world after college. And believe me, a more well-rounded person in the arts is going to land that job that they are striving for.
I also advise students to explore the Art Department at SAU. My favorite thing about St. Ambrose was that both the Theatre and Art Departments worked hand-in-hand at Galvin. Both departments definitely want their students to succeed, and there's much to learn from both areas that will mold your artistic skills. Break legs guys!
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