Q: Where did you grow up? Were there any activities you did as a child that led to your passion for theatre and the arts?
A: I grew up in Columbia, SC and as a little girl I played basketball for almost 10 years. I always wanted to be on the stage so I went to a magnet high school and concentrated on theatre.
Q: Where did you study theatre?
A: I received by Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC.
Q: Where have you worked previously? What are some of your favorite roles?
A: Most notably I have worked alongside Ms. Debbie Allen in Debbie Allen’s Brothers of the Knight. My role Happy was probably my favorite until Paulette.
Q: How did you prepare for playing the lead role of Paulette? Were there any challenges or things that you were excited about with taking on this character?
A: The director, Marybeth gave me the honor of playing Paulette so i knew I had to do my best to make her proud. I worked with our choreographer Cara and music director Sam for help in creating Paulette’s physicality and voice. Also, being inspired by my fellow actors helped me make choices to take chances that I normally would not have taken. The biggest challenge I faced with Paulette was bringing the energy to her every day of rehearsal and performance. She is a happy, loud, and excited person. So, even if I am not feeling that way, I have to bring it to her; it gives her life.
Q: You’ve been in performances for the past two weeks… what do you look forward to each performance playing Paulette?
A: Paulette is an optimist and a great friend. I love being on stage and playing a character that believes that there is always something better in life. Also, even though Paulette and Elle come from different backgrounds, their belief in love bonds them together.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I just got married to my husband Derek, so I love spending the evenings with him watching a movie and eating pizza.
