Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Noblesville, IN, but I grew up all around central IN, and I’ve lived in Lafayette for about 10 years now.

What brought you to Purdue?

I chose Purdue because I had gotten to see many of the shows that were put on while I was in high school, and I really enjoyed the work I got to see; the chance to put on shows like that and getting to stay in a city which I love were my two main motivators.

What is your major and why did you choose it?

I’m a theatre major – I chose it because I love the constant stream of new and interesting challenges, all the different fields of expertise that converge in a production, and the opportunity to meet and connect with so many different people.

What are your hopes/dreams/goals upon graduation?

My hope is that by graduation, I’ll have written at least one full-length play and have it performed; possibly direct it as well, but that’s a bit of a horse-before-the-cart idea in my mind.

What are some of your favorite recent projects and what makes them your favorites?

One project I’m working on right now that’s very exciting is a large-scale bird puppet for our upcoming production of The Snow -  I’ve been working since the start of the school year on it, and it’s been very creatively stimulating, because puppetry’s been an obsession for mine for a long time and this is the largest opportunity I’ve gotten to explore that interest so far.

Another recent project that I loved was the Civic Theatre’s New Play Festival over the summer – I had the chance to direct a short play, but a short play that I had written was also selected for the festival. Both aspects of the experience, writing the one and directing the other, were absolutely thrilling. The response was also overwhelmingly positive, and it served as a great reminder of what I love about theatre – getting to connect with others.

Can you describe a dream project or opportunity?

A dream project for me would be to write a full-length musical – I have a couple of ideas, but nothing concrete yet. I know I’d want it to be rock-focused – over the summer, I fell in love with two recent new musicals – Dead Outlaw and The Untitled, Unauthorized Hunter S. Thompson Musical. Both have rock-centric scores, and I’d really love to write something in the vein of those two.

Can you describe one thing you’ve discovered about Purdue since you started here that you really love?

I’ve really loved getting to see how open everyone is about their different disciplines – I’ve been able to learn so much from people by asking, and they’ve been kind enough to share; along with that, there are simply so many opportunities to get hands-on experience in each area.

Anything else you want to share about yourself that makes you unique and that you want to celebrate?

There’s so much that’s wonderful and idiosyncratic about me, I couldn’t possibly narrow it down! (only kidding, haha, but no, nothing comes to mind!)