My Story

1. What initially hooked you about this project, and how has your vision for it deepened since rehearsals began?

When my good friend, Brenton Jeffrey, director, invited me to help bring Rocky Horror Show to life, I didn’t hesitate for a moment. As music director and co-director, directing has long been one of my greatest passions, and I felt genuinely grateful for the chance to collaborate and help realize another artist’s vision. This process has been rooted in teamwork—combining creative strengths, learning from one another, and discovering new ways to tell this story. It’s been deeply fulfilling to support the direction, shape the music, and watch the production come alive piece by piece.

2. Can you walk us through the journey that led you to the Wohlfahrt Haus stage — any turning points or mentors who nudged you in our direction?

I’m originally from Pulaski, Virginia, and my journey in theatre began the moment I saw friends perform in a middle school play. I auditioned for the next one and instantly knew I’d found where I belong. That passion carried me to Shenandoah Conservatory, where I earned my BFA in Music Theatre with minors in piano, dance, and vocal performance.

Not long after graduating, Wohlfahrt Haus became one of my first professional opportunities — and over the years, it’s remained a place I’ve returned to time and time again. Each experience here has marked a new chapter in my growth as an artist.

Since those early days, I’ve founded and now serve as Producing Artistic Director of Adaire Theatre, where I continue to explore the many sides of storytelling — as a performer, director, writer, choreographer, educator, and advocate for arts accessibility. Depending on where you’re from, people may know me from the classroom, the stage, or even TV commercials — but however they know me, they know that theatre is at the heart of everything I do. Being back at Wohlfahrt Haus in a creative leadership role feels like a full-circle moment. It’s a chance to give back to a theatre that helped shape my career, while collaborating with an incredible team to create something truly memorable.

3. Performing or leading several shows a week can be a marathon — what personal routines or practices keep you grounded and inspired?

Prayer and my relationship with God are what keep me grounded, both on and off the stage. I start each day with gratitude — for the opportunity to do what I love and to create art that brings people together. In the middle of long rehearsal days or performance weeks, that faith keeps me focused on the bigger picture: connection, community, and purpose. I also take care of my body and voice with warm-ups, stretching, and staying hydrated. Mentally, I focus on being present in each moment, remembering that every note, step, and scene is part of a story we’re creating together. Balancing preparation with presence is what keeps each rehearsal and performance feeling fresh and deeply rewarding.

4. Is there a recent audience reaction or behind-the-scenes moment that really stuck with you? What made it memorable?

Every theatre experience is uniquely special to me. There’s something sacred about watching a room full of people — from all walks of life, with all different beliefs and backgrounds — come together and share space for a couple of hours. Even though they may be so different, they often laugh at the same jokes, feel the same tension, and share the same emotional moments. Theatre has this rare power to dissolve division, even if only for an evening, and remind us of our shared humanity. Witnessing that connection is a privilege; I never take that gift and responsibility for granted.

5. Outside of theatre, what creative passions fuel you, and how do they spill over into your work?

As hard as it is as we grow older, I’ve always tried to stay a kid at heart. People have often called me a dreamer — not just because I hold onto curiosity and imagination, but because I’ve always had big ideas, big plans, and even bigger dreams. I’m someone who believes in creating things that inspire others and push boundaries in meaningful ways.

At the same time, I’m a perfectionist — always looking for ways to learn, improve, and bring everything I do closer to its fullest potential. I find inspiration everywhere: in conversations, music, teaching, travel, or even quiet moments at home.

Outside of performing, I’m fueled by a mix of creative outlets — directing, teaching, dance, cooking, exploring new places — and all of it feeds back into my work in theatre. I love exploring new ideas, whether it’s choreographing a piece, helping a student discover their own voice, or simply talking theatre with friends.

That balance of playfulness and discipline really shapes how I approach theatre. Each of these experiences informs the work I do onstage or in rehearsal, helping me bring more depth, perspective, and authenticity to the stage. For me, creativity isn’t limited to performance — it’s a way of seeing the world, and that curiosity and passion naturally flow into every project I take on.