Hometown: Springfield, Virginia
Education: B.A. Theatre from James Madison University. Go Dukes.
Favorite Credits: Producing this play Quiet Peninsula, is my proudest moment yet as a playwright and artist.
Why theater?: Theatre physically brings a community together. With this play, we’re tackling important issues, in every community, and trying to start discussions and hopefully work towards positive changes.
Tell us about Quiet Peninsula?: Quiet Peninsula is a three act play addressing sensitive, timely issues that we are forced to encounter every day. We hear from only one side of each conflict. The victim in each situation is not able to tell their version of the story. As the play unfolds, we realize all three acts are happening at the same time and have affected each other’s outcome long before the evening has begun.
What inspired you to write Quiet Peninsula?: I was watching the news during a few high profile trials where everyone was watching, and those that were accused were the most hated people in the country. I wondered if we could somehow feel sympathy for these people even after they’ve committed these atrocities.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like theatre that keeps me guessing during an evening, and portrays characters that can be both liked and hated. I like to see things that I’ve not seen before and stories that challenge me as an audience member and person.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I’d love to meet Tracy Letts and pick his brain, because he has the career I’d most love to emulate. I basically like working with genuine people and anyone who can get excited about making good art, who is willing to collaborate to make the best work possible.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I am a big fan of Martin McDonagh and I always enjoy his work. He creates very clear characters that you feel like you’ve known all your life, and his stories are always new, exciting, challenging and moving.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I like to think Clive Owen would want the part… Probably call it “Ferraro- A Story of Love and Eyebrows”
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Neat whiskey - chips and salsa.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Between "I’ll Believe in Anything" - Wolf Parade and "Blood In My Eyes" - Bob Dylan
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Advertising. There are a lot of similarities between the two. You have to know a lot about people and where their hearts lie and how to reach them on a deep level. Too much Don Draper?
What’s up next?: Some time off! Producing, rewrites and acting in this play (and working several jobs to pay for it all!) has been keeping me rather busy. I figure a day or two off after closing (my birthday) and then back to work finishing a screenplay!
For more on Quiet Peninsula, visit quietpeninsula.com
