What did you do post-graduation and what are you doing currently?
Wow, that's a long time! I am doing some quick math...and I think most of the current theatre students were in grade school when I attended SAU. I am feeling a little irrelevant, maybe.
After graduating from SAU I started teaching theatre and English at a high school in Elgin, Illinois. It was fascinating, and I really liked working with the students. They were deeply invested in the process and wanted to do good work. It made my job much easier.
While teaching I starting looking for grad schools. I was accepted to Western Illinois University and received my MFA in Directing and Costuming three years later. From there, I was recruited to work for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Due to a downturn in the economy there was a hiring freeze at Disney one month before graduation/moving. So instead I moved to Chicago with a couple of friends and started a touring theatre for young audiences. I had been fortunate enough to direct one of the kid's shows at SAU and fell in love with the genre. (I still feel bad for being a design bully to Kris E.) We performed and made nice livings for three years when Disney called me back. So, I packed up and moved from Chicago to Orlando where Disney told me they called me too soon.
My first summer here I worked for Universal costuming and the world famous Halloween Horror Nights as a dresser for the Bill & Ted show. (It's a big thing, Google it.) After Halloween, Disney called and I finally started there as an Entertainment Manager (Stage Manager). I have called shows all over the parks and managed Equity performers.
In addition to Disney I was also an adjunct professor at the local community college. I have been with Disney for 13 years in various roles. Currently, I am a costumer for Disney Event Group and having a blast.
How are you using your degree(s)?
I am no longer teaching, but I still mentor young cast members ("employees" in Disney speak). I think the liberal arts degree helped me be flexible in my work environments. I have a wide breadth of knowledge that I can put to good use. Collaboration and figuring out how to communicate with other creative types is vitally important in this company. I am fortunate that I do get to use, every day, what I had learned in school. Oh and child psychology – I use that all of the time!
What was your favorite memory from Ambrose?
Well graduation was pretty significant. I recall they were afraid one of the oaks would fall in the high winds. Unlike a lot of the student I was commuter and a non-traditional student. So, I didn't really have a social life on campus. I made friends, but did not have the "dorm" experience. I have so many rich memories, but I think learning how to learn was the most significant. I was able to become an academic.
What do you miss most about the department?
The department is a little family – sometimes a little dysfunctional, but at the core of it is an amazing group of supportive people. I loved working on the shows when I could. I always tried to work in some capacity, even if it was helping paint or sew for a day. I do not miss the Musical Theatre class. That was dreadful.
What inspires you today?
Oh my gosh, everything. I try to be open and ‘yes, and' the world. A painting, a song, a perfume. All get sacked away for later use or inspiration. I actively invite positivity into my life. It's too easy to let negativity creep in and have influence. I think saying "yes" inspires me. That and the friends I keep. I only seek out friends that inspire me in some way.
What was your biggest post-SAU surprise?
It's silly, but getting to work for Disney. I recall sitting in the costume room with Cory chatting about how interesting it would be to work for Disney and learn how they make the costumes. I remember saying that. Disney was not a real goal or even a dream; it was not something I was actively pursuing until grad school, so it is a really fun surprise that I actually get to see and do that. Who would have thought that this guy from Moline would get to work for the largest provider of entertainment on the planet?
Do you have any advice for current students?
Yes! Connections connections connections. Go make them. Make sure you have an internship or summer stock or shadow every summer. Those are invaluable connections and experiences. Get out of the Midwest for these experiences. Apply for things in New York and L.A. and regional theatres – even an interview is a connection. After you have the connection, build the relationship. It really is who you know. Do not be afraid to try. Only be afraid of not trying. Do not discount your experience. Likability plays a huge role in your future success. Oh, and put your damn phone down.
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