Artist Statement:
Thoughtful, imaginative, and innovative theatre does not and cannot exist within a vacuum. Instead it requires an ongoing dialogue with the world around it. As theatre artists we are encouraged to playfully explore what it means to be human and we extend this exploration to spectators in hopes that we can all become mirrors to society and possibly even agents of change.
This notion of exploration is central to my philosophy as an actor. For me, the reflection of my work does not come from within the theatre itself. Instead, I find my personal inspiration staring at me from across the street every morning, sitting across from me in a high-stakes business meeting, pressed against my shoulder in the doorway of a crowded Q train, reaching around me at the grocery store checkout counter, or challenging my thinking inside the safety of the classroom. These observations of the world and my experiences with and within them inform all of the choices I make on the stage.
What drives my exploration and work as an actor are the fundamental and philosophical questions that continue to mystify us as human beings. Why are we here? What is my purpose? What does it mean to be human? As an educator and student I possess an endless thirst for knowledge, and what better way to learn than living out the myriad paths of others through the characters that I play. Each character I embody provides me with a new perspective on how to better understand some of life’s most daunting questions.
As I continue my work as an actor, I challenge myself to dive deeper in my quest for answers, to be more aware of my surroundings, to be open, to learn from others, and to not be afraid to respond and offer guidance to the many issues that plague our present time.
I do hope that you will join me as I continue my journey for Truth.