Hometown: Oklahoma City
Education: BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Central Oklahoma, MFA in Acting from The Actors Studio Drama School at The New School.
Favorite Credits: The Abduction of Becky Morris at FringeNYC 2013, because it was the first play I wrote. I also performed in it. Some other favorite acting credits include Mud, Whiskey and Murphy, Proof, Sylvia, As You Like It, A Winter's Tale.
Why theater?: Theatre is just something that happens to you. Like swine flu. Or getting hit by a meteor.
Tell us about Coyote Katie's Return?: It's a dark comedy about a reclusive Oklahoma taxidermist, a psychiatric nurse who's been burned by love, a bonkers psychiatrist, and an urban legend. Their paths all converge in a story that's part romance, part moral dilemma, and part Wild Kingdom.
What inspired you to write Coyote Katie's Return?: My lead actor's facial hair. He's a terrific actor and I wanted to write something for him. He just looked like a taxidermist to me. I told him and he was totally okay with it.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like comedy, but dark comedy. Morbid comedy. Smart comedy. I'm also into magical realism and sci-fi. I love plays that push boundaries. Basically, if "Twin Peaks" or "The X-Files" were a play, I would see that play. As an artist, I'm inspired by the quirky aspects of American culture. Outcasts. Misfits. Weird and whimsical people and places. I'm inspired by my home state of Oklahoma. It's a beautiful yet terrifying place, full of contradictions. Believe it or not, it actually lends itself quite well to magical realism.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Tracy Letts, David Lynch
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Lieutenant of Inishmore! That's a heck of a a good play. Also, there was this incredibly weird, musical adaptation of Shockheaded Peter (a frightening and violent book of cautionary tales for children). It was adapted for the stage with music by the Tiger Lilies and it played in New York about 10 years ago. I cannot describe how much I loved it. It may be my favorite piece of theatre ever. I would also recommend anything by Tracy Letts. Anything.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: People have told me that Amy Adams should play me in the movie of my life. I'm cool with that. The film would be called "Adorably Evil".
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Um...horoscopes? I love reading my horoscope and there are several I read every week. I actually try to hide it from some people. Well, it's out now! Also, cinnamon Pop-Tarts.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "The Story" by Brandi Carlisle
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be?: A paranormal investigator. Or the person who cuddles pandas at the zoo.
What’s up next?: I'm working on a couple of new plays and collaborating on a musical. Also, our play development company, Route 66 Rodeo, is getting ready to launch our Roadside Attraction Reading Series. I'm in the process of curating plays for the first event which will take place around the holidays.
