Hometown: Merrick, Long Island
Education: BS in Drama and Psychology, Tufts University; MFA in Acting, Columbia University
Favorite Credits: The Rubber Room (OVNV TS Eliot US/UK Exchange at The Old Vic, London), PINK! (Down Payment Productions, 7 New York Innovative Theater Nominations, Lark Finalist), Sacred Water (Rag and Bone Theater Company). Published by Broadway Play Publishing, Indie Theater Now, and YouthPLAYS.
Why theater?: Because I love it. It’s alive. It’s fresh. It’s stimulating. It’s joyful. And it creates community. Community! That’s why.
Tell us about There’s a Light on Yonder Mountain?: There’s a Light on Yonder Mountain tells the story of four unlikely heroes coming together to restore, build, and fuel the beautiful basics of family, comfort, and home.
What inspired you to create There’s a Light on Yonder Mountain?: When I was asked to join the Amios team to create what was formerly referred to as TPiM (The Project in May), I was thrilled. Working within a community of vibrant, passionate, talented artists over the past several months has been an absolute joy. As far as the inspiration for this particular devised piece: Kate, our literary director, gave us writing prompts such as “In my future fantasy world...” and “Find a song that represents homecoming.” In many ways, those two initial assignments very much sparked the play’s journey.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The kind where I’m caught off guard by my emotional investment. Dialogue that makes me laugh a lot. I’m a laugher. A really, really good musical. Anything with children. Boundary pushing subject material. Dark, dark, funny, funny. Sarah Kane, Martin McDonagh, Tracy Letts, Sarah Ruhl, Sheila Callaghan, and Polly Stenham are my theatrical heroes. I also am deeply inspired by the directors, designers, and actors I have had the pleasure of working with, as well as the kids I teach, my family, friends, and boyfriend. They have all greatly contributed to my writing, lending their ears, imaginations, and thoughtful feedback.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Liz Meriwether. Tim Burton.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Broken Box Mime Theater. They’re incredible.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Jenny Slate. And it would be called "Join the Circus".
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Pinkberry and running through Central Park listening to "This American Life". Oh! And soy milk.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Working with children. Writing YA novels. Which...I’m kind of already doing. But I guess I’d be doing more of it.
What’s up next?: I have a few projects in the works. I recently finished the fifth draft of my YA Novel titled First Base: A Camp Rolling Hills Story. It’s inspired by my musical Camp Rolling Hills (Music & Lyrics by Adam Spiegel and Book & Lyrics by David Spiegel and Stacy Davidowitz). The musical was recently a Next Link Finalist, accepted into NYMF (New York Musical Theatre Festival), and published by YouthPLAYS. In the fall, I will be continuing my work with Rag and Bone Theater Company as one of the writers on their next piece: The Hanged King. Oh! And my children’s musical Hank & Gretchen is going up at Manning Elementary School in Manning, IL this week!