Q: Where are you from? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for theatre and the arts?
A: I’m a Georgia peach by birth, but we moved to northern Virginia when I was a baby. I grew up in Annandale, VA and later in Greenville, SC. As a child, I was most involved in sports and dance. I was a year-round, competitive swimmer (even went to the Junior Olympics!), a springboard diver, a ballerina, and played baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and tennis. My mom has a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir, so naturally I wanted to sing as well. I began taking piano in the second grade and that’s really where my love of music began. At 9 years old, I found the theatre. All these activities led to my passion for the arts. Participating in so many things made me want to do and be everything. Always a dreamer.
Q: Where did you study theatre?
A: My first real taste of acting training came when I was accepted into the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts Drama program. It was a life-changing summer between my Junior and Senior years of high school. For the first time, I was creating a life to my character, working on physicality, vocal training, movement, mask, etc. I fell head over heels in love with the craft. I received my Bachelor’s from College of Charleston in Theatre and French and my Master’s in Media & Performing Arts from the Savannah College of Art & Design.
Q: Where have you worked previously? What are some of your favorite roles?
A: I work steadily with The Village Repertory Company where I proudly serve on the Board of Directors. Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions gave me my first job in Charleston outside of college. I’ve also worked with What If? Productions, Holy City Shakespeare, Charleston Shakespeare Project, and Footlight Players. Most recently, I worked with What If? Productions on Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche. That show was an absolute blast. I went into rehearsals not knowing anyone and left with some amazing friends. I would have to say my other favorite roles include Hennie in Awake and Sing, Meredith Parker in BatBoy: The Musical, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors, and Sherry in Independence.
Q: How did you prepare for playing the role of Mother? Are there any challenges you faced or anything you’re most excited about portraying this iconic holiday character?
A: Preparing for any role, I find it’s best for me to become familiar with the script before rehearsals begin. What are other characters saying about you? What is a given? Then, once you enter the rehearsal process you discover how you interact with other characters and let relationships develop. I’m not a mother but I have to say that these adorable kids made it easy for me to tap into what I imagine that kind of love to be. It was thrilling to learn that I would be portraying this character from a classic I grew up watching, but it was also daunting to think about “getting her right”. I quickly had to let go of that notion and trust that I was creating my own version of Mother.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: In my spare time I love playing the piano and singing, going to concerts, practicing yoga, 5Ks, and Pure Barre. Oh, and positively anything that involves my sweet husband.
