The Story of Me

I have grown up being a part of theater. I found theater at twelve at my middle school. I struggled in middle school(it’s a hard time for everyone). When I was doing the musicals and plays I felt that I belonged. Oh gosh I sound like rachel berry from glee but I promise theres more interesting things coming… I hope. I moved to an arts boarding high school in California, Idyllwild Arts Academy at fourteen to study musical theater. The first year of training was the most mind blowing time in my life. I learned about all the great teachers and methods of acting. I learned about myself, living away from home, I learned I was gay. Crazy wild times. I have always been driven by something that is larger than fear when it comes to theater. I was terrified of leaving home but I did it and followed through even when all I wanted to do was hug my mom. I started writing theater and directing while I was there. I realized that I am happiest when I am part of creating something. I have always been that way, even since I was little and I’d do sewing projects with my mom or make fake swords out of foam and pvc pipe for hunger games parties. Theater is where I have decided to invest my creative energy. It wasn’t so much a choice as it was a calling. I don’t know where it came from but it has moved me from Nebraska to California and now to Liverpool. It has given me a voice to speak out about what I believe and gave me an irreplaceable community all over the world. 

Not to get political but… everything is political so deal with it. I am heartbroken by the human rights violations happening everywhere in the world right now. When I talk to people about the state of the world they say “I can’t watch the news”. I understand that. It is difficult to hold that people are going through things that are unimaginable to us. Fannie Lou Hammer, A civil rights and womans rights activist said "nobody's free until everybody’s free”. I understand why it is disturbing to look at the news but I believe it is integral to the liberation of all people to stay informed and speak out. Theater is the way that I know how to do that. It is rare to have hundreds of people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs gathered in a room together. It’s even more rare to be able to demand their attention during a performance. The question I ask myself “what does the world need to hear, what do they need to hear?” It is a privilege to be able to look away from violence. It is a duty to humans all over the world to keep looking. Theater can be a way to inform people that connects to their hearts. Theater doesn’t let you look away. I am creating a career that leans into that. I want to always do my part in telling hard truths and inspiring people to take action and keep looking because "nobody's free until everybody’s free”.