Faculty Spotlight

Which courses do you teach?

I teach sophomore Voice and Speech in the Theatre department.

Why do you teach?

I'm passionate about theatre, about language, about how we tell our stories. Students always surprise me with their discoveries and insights and energy. Teaching is, in a way, a balance to performance, and keeps me setting the bar higher for myself as an actor.

What brought you to Cornish?

My family and I had just moved to Seattle from Los Angeles. I looked around at the local theatre programs, read the website, and talked to people who had Cornish connections. It had the right "feel" to it - a small but intense program, downtown location, top-notch faculty.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

The great writers and thinkers. Music. Observing people.

What drew you to your field?

I have always been drawn to the magic of walking into a space with a group of people and watching a show, having that live experience together. Some early memories are of seeing my mother perform in community theatre shows, and I was thrilled when I learned that a person could actually spend her life in theatre! I suspect I was drawn to acting out of a need to "find my voice." I was a very shy kid. I think my passion for language was fed by growing up in the South, hearing the beautiful cadences and the outrageous use of words there. Once I discovered the great writers--Shakespeare, in particular--I knew there was a way to combine passion and career. I have performed in all types of media, but theatre always calls me back.

Tell us about your creative process:

As an actor, I read a script then leave it. It has to knock around in my head for awhile. Eventually I start to hear and feel the ways the writer is using language, hear the "voice" of the character, the passion in the words. It has to find a physical root.

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm doing prep work on the script of "Beggar's Opera," which I will direct next spring at Cornish. I am also doing revisions on a script (in screenplay form now) based on young girl's diary from the year 1810.

What do you do for fun?

Movies, books, dining out. Sometimes a day at work is as much fun as anything.

What do you like most about Cornish?

The caliber of the faculty, and the enthusiasm and courage of the students! Acting students often are subjected to bad teachers, "gurus," people willing to take advantage of the vulnerability the profession engenders. I still remember what it feels like to be such a vulnerable young acting student! Cornish provides a conservatory-like theatre program with a faculty of great integrity and dedication.

Anything else you would like to share?

The programs at Cornish have been a well-kept secret, but I think the word is out now.