My Story
Being born and raised in St. Petersburg, FL, it was only natural that I found myself in a career in the arts. I began stage managing for an education department at a local community theatre after I outgrew their programs. I quickly fell in love. I stayed in Children's Theatre for a few years before being offered a stage management position for one of the main stage productions. There, I grew a connection with the director and she would turn to me when she directed at other community theatres in the area to be her stage manager. I split my time as an actor and a stage manager throughout high school
After attending the Pinellas County Center for the Arts at Gibbs High School, majoring in Musical Theatre, I tried to take a break from theatre in college to pursue other interests. While transferring from St. Petersburg College to the University of South Florida and then back to St. Petersburg College, I learned quite quickly theatre was the only thing I enjoyed studying and doing. I changed my major from Education to General Studies to finish my Associates degree at St. Petersburg College, before ultimately transferring to the University of Florida to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Theatre. During my time at UF, I mainly focused on honing my skills as a stage manager and had the privilege of Deck Stage Managing 3 main stage productions. I graduated Cum Laude in December of 2022 with my BA in Theatre.
My Style
As a stage manager, I strive for a warm and welcoming environment, throughout the entire process. Cultivating a community is paramount. I am a people-oriented/human centered stage manager. I will always put more emphasis on the person rather than the procedure. I would rather the procedure work for the person, then the person work for the procedure. If something isn't working, we change our approach to the procedure, not have the person change. I have witnessed that this makes the person feel safer and ensures that they are doing their best at their job.
Additionally, I don't want the directors table to be a barrier between me or anybody in the company. Whether that be the actors or the design team., You'll only find me behind the table during actual rehearsal time. If it's before, after or during breaks I am around and talking to people, getting to know them, trying to build a connection. I want all personnel to feel like I'm their shoulder to lean on, if they need it.
I believe that being in a position of power, if I'm confident others will follow suit. But having that "power" doesn't mean I'll play into the hierarchy. On my stage management team and in the room everyone's voice is just as important as mine. Just because I have to make the decision sometimes, doesn't mean my way is always the correct and best way.