Hometown: Waynesburg, PA
Education: BA in Theatre, Randolph-Macon Woman's College; MFA in Theatre, Sarah Lawrence College
Favorite Credits: R+J by Erin Breznitsky. I did a workshop production in grad school two years ago and we're gearing up for a full production this fall.
Why theater?: Because I believe in the transformative power of the arts and that theatre is the art of the people. And because I would have been a terrible accountant.
Tell us about Dear Susan?: Dear Susan is a solo piece that I wrote and directed that imagines a woman who is pen pals with Susan G. Komen. We know the name instantly, but the woman herself is like a mysterious martyr and symbol for the modern breast cancer awareness movement.
What inspired you to write Dear Susan?: The first seed of this show was planted in my Solo Performance class in graduate school. We were asked to write a brief monologue about something in the news and that day the story broke about them defunding Planned Parenthood. From there it grew because I am fascinated by the intersection of women's health and politics and in particular the glorification and commercialization of breast cancer.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love seeing things I've never seen before. I love seeing work where I can tell the people involved had something they had to say. Girl Be Heard is an amazing, amazing company and everything they do is electric and relevant.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I'd love to work on a new play by Sarah Ruhl, Lynn Nottage, or Theresa Rebeck.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The last show I remember recommending to absolutely everyone -friends, family, people on the street- was Book of Everything at the New Victory Theater. It was everything I love about theatre; it was magical and smart and original. The New Vic, as large as it is, feels like NYC's best kept secret. People look down at theatre for young audiences but the work there is spectacular, regardless of your age. And it happens to be incredibly affordable.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Lauren Graham. "I Don't Know What to Do With My Hands: The Roxy MtJoy Story."
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Football. I say that because loving football while being a feminist can be a bit problematic at times.
What’s the most played song on your iPod?: "Illegal Smile" by John Prine
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Working at a non-profit that advances women's issues.
What’s up next?: R+J by Erin Breznitsky. We have a stage reading in the middle of October that will hopefully set the stage (pun intended) for a full scale production later this fall.
