Quotes

Long form improvisation at Upright Citizens Brigade has been the key to my social life and my happiness for several years.

As a freshman at USD, I was invited to play a small walk-on, sight-gag role as a dominatrix the MFA's production of Georges Feydeau's "An Absolute Turkey." Without those grad student actors to look up to, without a glimpse into their process, I think my life as an actor would be very different. I subsequently had the tremendous privilege of working closely with top-notch directors Richard Seer, Kirk Jackson, Sabin Epstein, and Robert Barry Fleming for several transformative years.

I have unbelievably supportive, easy-going parents who instilled a deep sense of independence in me. From my dad I learned the importance of politeness in all situations. He is extremely cool-headed, even under extreme circumstances, and his calmness and eloquence give him such power. Similarly, my mom's advice to me was always, "kill them with kindness." It became my go-to strategy to diffuse any tense situation. My parents also encouraged me to volunteer at theaters I wanted to work at, offering to assist the director or help build sets on weekends, so the artistic team could see I was dedicated and interested in learning. I think that advice instilled a work ethic in me, and in some cases, gave me an invaluable opportunity to observe what goes on behind closed doors.

As a freshman at USD, I was invited to play a small walk-on, sight-gag role as a dominatrix the MFA's production of Georges Feydeau's "An Absolute Turkey." Without those grad student actors to look up to, without a glimpse into their process, I think my life as an actor would be very different. I subsequently had the tremendous privilege of working closely with top-notch directors Richard Seer, Kirk Jackson, Sabin Epstein, and Robert Barry Fleming for several amazing years.

When I was a child I grew up living next door to 80's country singer Juice Newton. Her daughter Jessica and I were best friends for many years. Once or twice a year I would join their family on road trips throughout CA, NV, AZ, and UT while Juice was on tour with her band. Juice and her husband Tom always made me feel like part of the family. I would watch Juice warm up in her trailer, apply her makeup, set up and rehearse with the band, and then deliver a flawless and intimate performance. She always invited us kids to come up onstage after the show to sing "The Goodbye Song" and take a bow with her, which was incredibly special. What strikes me now looking back is how effortless it all was for Juice. Whether she was singing for 200 people or 2,000, she was completely calm and gracious at every performance.