What is your unique gift? – Do you believe in it enough to invest everything you have in it?
I am a musical theatre major who is also well-versed in technical work. I could potentially design, direct and star in my own show.
What difference are you trying to make in the world? – How passionate are you about doing this?
I want people to have the courage to make their own artistic choices without fear of ridicule from their peers. I am very passionate about this and constantly tell my classmates to stand strong in their convictions.
How do you define success for yourself? – What challenges do you face in order to create success?
I think success for me is loving what I do at any point in my career. Right now, success would be a career on the stage, but one day it may directing. Theater is super hard to get into and establish yourself in general, so that is the short-term hardship in order to even begin.
What is career vision and a mission?
A career vision in my mind is what I see when I close my eyes and see myself doing with my life. A mission is the philanthropic element that will go along with my vision.
Can you innovate and creates value and successfully communicate that value to intended audiences?
I believe I could if I was proud and passionate about the project.
Do you have a positive attitude?
About most things. If a project/ person is underprepared, I am usually very negative.
Have you set your goals? What is your road map to success? Can you set inspiring and realistic goals?
I have set short term (5 year) goals for myself. I suppose my road map is to create networking and a solid package of audition material in order to be hired. I don’t know if anything in the performing arts is truly realistic at first, but if someone has the gumption anything is possible.
Do you have and/or acquire the necessary expertise to actualize your vision?
I think through real-world experiences I will have a better understanding of how to achieve my vision.
What are your priorities? Can you set priorities?
My priorities are creating a strong package of audition material and executing those auditions. I am very good at prioritizing things, especially when it comes to theater.
What opportunities are you looking for? What opportunities are you creating or intend to create?
Any audition opportunity is a good opportunity. I like to create opportunities for students to audition for shows at JU.
How comfortable are you with uncertainty? What risks are you willing to take?
Theater is all about risk and uncertainty. Soon, I won’t know where my next paycheck is coming from until I book a gig. Risks are part of the job, and I will do anything to further myself.
When facing challenges, do you persevere or do you walk away?
I persevere, especially on things I am super passionate about.
What experience have you learned the most from?
I did a summer stock last year as a lighting operator and assistant. Before the summer, I thought lighting could be an enjoyable backup plan. I absolutely hated it and now I know I won’t want to take another job like it!
What actions are you taking to realize your vision? Are you consistently taking action?
I have successfully pulled off a massive recital for myself that brought together several elements I have learned while at JU, so that was a huge step in the right direction.
How well do you put things in context? Are you able to easily respond to changes in your environment? What’s your best example?
I recently directed a production for Alpha Psi Omega. In order to successfully do this, I took the knowledge gained from directing classes and assisting Kim Beasley and put it into context. I am super flexible when things don’t go my way, so I am usually able to roll with the punches and change calendars and plans to accommodate.
What is your plan to continually grow and evolve? How have you grown or evolved in the past year or three?
I constantly add tools to my toolbox as a singer and as a professional. I like learning new music styles to sing each year and experiment with them. I also learn new skills in the shop of the theater (such as building, painting, ect.) I learned how to read scenic plans and use sound equipment over my years working in shop. I’ve also learned how to be a scenic charge artist.
How easy is it for you to reach out to others to ask for support and to offer help?
I often ask for support for APO in the CFA. I am not too proud to admit when something is really complicated or I have little experience doing it. I offer help regularly in shop to new employees as they learn the system as well.
How are you inspiring others to join and/or support your mission in order to create a financially sustainable enterprise that allows you to live your gift and contribute something valuable to society? – If you aren’t currently, how do you intend to?
I am not sure if I am inspiring anyone financially at the moment. I simply don’t have the life experience or chops to do so yet. One day, I hope to create an organization that empowers young artists to rise above negativity and potential financial issues and pursue their dreams.
