CREATIVE
ACTIVITY
My work examines the human experience through writing, directing, and acting for stage and screen; each discipline offers a unique way to investigate and translate those experiences to an audience. In my creative activity, I look for how writing, directing, and acting inform one another to create more dynamic stories and increase the quality and impact of the piece. My integration of these disciplines drives fruitful, close collaborations with experts across stage and screen, allowing me to be a vital part of creating new works, as every stage of development can span several years from start to finish.
Throughout my time at MSU, a clear progression can be seen in the scope and impact of my work. I was hired to direct several short films during my first years at MSU; these experiences were the stepping stones that led me to direct my first feature-length film, and secure the funding and collaborators for my second feature-length film. My work as a writer also progressed from works optioned (rights purchased), to works produced (filmed). I also continue to perform as an actor at Equity theatres throughout Michigan.
PLAYWRITING
(click to read samples)
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Staged readings: The Road Theatre (Los Angeles) and First Run Theatre (St. Louis)
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Watch act 2 from the reading at The Road Theatre.
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Workshop Production: Activate Midwest New Play Festival
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Staged Reading: The Road Theatre (Los Angeles)
EQUITY REGIONAL THEATRE
With the impressive quality of Equity theatre being produced in Michigan, I felt compelled to continue working as an actor, in part because of my personal creative interests, but also due to my commitment to making sure my work and knowledge of the craft of acting remains relevant in my work as an educator. I began auditioning for the Equity houses in Michigan in 2022.
I was fortunate to be cast in the world -premiere of A Very Williamston Christmas at The Williamston Theatre – an organization known for offering new and dynamic works. While this particular play was a holiday comedy and arguably not the pinnacle of high art, the show's run sold out, ultimately providing crucial audience building and a budgetary boon so that Williamston Theatre could continue doing its incredible work throughout the next season. With many theatres around the country closing in the wake of the pandemic, I was proud to play a role in bringing audiences back to this theatre and keeping the form alive. I was awarded Best Actor from the 2023 Wilde Awards.
In 2024, I was cast in the world premiere of The Antichrist Cometh by David MacGregor at one of the top theatre companies in Michigan, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (Jeff Daniels, Artistic Director.) My work on the show began in February 2024 and runs through May 25, 2024. The show has been well received by audiences and reviewers alike.
DIRECTORIAL WORK AT MSU
