Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in San Francisco, CA. Grew up in Santos, Brasil, Novato, CA, and Houston, TX.

Tell us about your undergraduate experience.

I went to undergrad at Webster Conservatory of Theatre Arts now The Sargent Conservatory in St. Louis, MO.

What brought you to Purdue?

After 20 years living and working as a professional actor in NYC and LA, Covid hit and shut everything down. My wife,  kids and I decided to embark on a new adventure in my wife’s hometown of Lafayette, IN. After producing and acting in an independent film, I was encouraged by my fellow director to consider grad school. That led me to meeting Rich Rand. The rest was kismet.

What is your field of study in the MFA and why did you choose it?

My field of study is Acting. I choose this because it is a necessity to the wellness of my soul. An artist must do art.

What are your hopes/dreams/goals upon graduation?

I plan on taking a small break from academia, enjoying the summer with my family, reading lots of books, playing golf, and trusting that my next steps will be led.

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

Playing Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream with my fellow grads was a joy. I am so proud of the ways we have grown together and put into practice the work that is necessary to be an artist. In addition, directing Gloria was an indelible experience. Embracing the challenge of what it is to be a first-time director along with trusting my choices will leap me into the next great opportunity.

Can you describe a dream project or opportunity?

Acting anywhere, teaching and directing. Soon, I see myself creating a theater company that rivals the greats. It will be a project in reflecting creative freedom to present the great stories, new and old. We will commit to the profound responsibility in serving the audience while fulfilling our individual creative purpose and artistic desires.

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

Be teachable.

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

This quote by Nick Cave: "The luminous and shocking beauty of the everyday is something I try to remain alert to, if only as an antidote to the chronic cynicism and disenchantment that seems to surround everything, these days. It tells me that, despite how debased or corrupt we are told humanity is and how degraded the world has become, it just keeps on being beautiful. It can't help it."