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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
Opportunities to do whatever you would most like in the world of theatre, with an immense support system.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Get involved with a production at the Playhouse! Audition, fill out a production application, and do work either behind the scenes or onstage. If that’s too intimidating, just ask another student about what working with the Theatre Arts department entails – all of us are more than willing to talk to you about it.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Even if it doesn’t necessarily get easier, it gets a lot more fun!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
It’s always okay to ask for help – that’s what your professors, your advisors, and your fellow students are here for! Whatever you’re going through right now, there are a dozen other people on campus who have gone through the same thing and would love to assist you in any way that they can.

What has been your favorite class at K? 
I would say that my favorite class so far has been Playwriting, with Dr. Quincy Thomas. This course gave me the opportunity practice creative writing in a style that I had never attempted before, and I was able to produce some of my best creative work in that class with consistent feedback from my classmates and professor.

How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth?
I am an English minor following the fiction writing track, which has allowed me to hone in on my creative skills and develop a particular genre and style that I am proficient in. Courses in other departments I have taken include “Classical Mythology,” “Ancient Humans and Other Animals,” “The Religion of Star Wars,” “Novels and Podcasts,” and “U.S. Ethnic Literature.”

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
In addition to consistently working with the Festival Playhouse as both an actor and crew member, I am also the social media director for the Kalamadudes A Cappella ensemble. During the summer, I work with Minneapolis Community Education teaching youth courses surrounding acting, improvisation, and general creativity.

What is your SIP?
I am going to be directing the play “Glassheart,” by Reina Hardy. This play is a modern, comedic version of Beauty and the Beast, following the Beast and his one remaining magical servant after they downsize and move to a shabby Chicago apartment. The play discusses what it means to be human, whether your humanity can be taken away from you, and if anyone can tell if you really are “okay” just by looking at you.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
In addition to continuing a career of acting and directing, I would like to work with youth as a theatre educator in high school spaces, as that is where my initial love of theatre came about.

What is a random fun fact about you?
Also during the summer with Minneapolis Community Education, I work as a professional dungeon master, teaching games like Dungeons and Dragons to kids!