Student Spotlight

Inspiration?

I am a theater student. Some may say that because I'm an actor I don't really create art I just recite what is given to me. But I have the job of creating the character, helping create the world they live in. Scripts rarely tell you how they move, or how they wake up in the morning, how they eat, dress, talk, unless it is a specific part of them. I get to create a whole new person.

I am inspired by life. I see someone interesting walking down the street then I want to copy them and make up what their life is like and how they got that way. I'm inspired by other works of theater and other artists. Mary Zimmerman is my current inspiration.

Influences?

I was always listening to Judy Garland and Julie Andrews singing along with them making up little scenes. It was in 5th grade when Drue Robinson Haggen came to my school and put up an original show called the Wozard of Iz. We helped brain storm ideas of how we could change the Wizard of Oz into a different show creating more parts, like a monolouge for the Witch of the East. I was Auntie Em, and I was HOOKED!! I loved being a part of something that others got to enjoy. I knew right then that I was going to be an actress.

Current Projects?

Cornish lol. I'm in my last year and trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I'm working on the Season show "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls" Then I will be putting up my Sr. Project next sememster. Lot's going on.

Hometown/Seattle?

I'm from a smaller Washington town called Bellingham. It's not much different except for the traffic and the size. It's nice that my home is only 80 miles away.

Why Cornish?

A friend of mine was also interested in Cornish our Sr. year of High school. I knew I wanted to go to an arts college and get my BFA not just a BA. I really wanted to focus on my art and not have to worry about classes like math, and Biology, why should I take that stuff when it has nothing to do with my major? I was looking at mostly east coast schools when my friend asked me to come to an open house at Cornish. I went with her and found the place that I belonged, it was a very focused program, I was going to get a lot of the training that other people wait to get when they go for their Masters.

Cornish Experience?

It has changed my life. Both good and bad. I feel that I have become a whole new person since I started here. The teachers are great but they are also hard on you they make you question if this is the right feild for you because a lot of people find that it isn't. They help you figure it out, they are dedicated and care about every single one of us.

Hobbies?

Quirky? well, I'm into photography, I've often said if acting doesn't work out for me I'll just become a photographer lol. I love reading but that's not too quirky. Swimming, singing, boating, pretending I have a lot of money and house hunt for really nice houses lol. Life is fun, there are so many things to do. :)

5 Year Plan?

BROADWAY!!!! yeah we can dream right. Really I'm not sure. I would like to be on Broadway some day or be part of the Looking Glass Theater in Chicago, but who knows I may be still around here trying to get some weird theater off the ground. I'm open and I like it like that.

Any Advice?

Make sure this is really what you want to do with your life. Cornish is very focused and no matter how much you love to act, sing, paint, or dance you will get sick of it. You're going to need to know that this is what you LOVE this is your opsession in life. just kind of liking it isnt' going to cut it.

Creative Process:

....well.... It's always different depending on the kind of theater I'm doing. The first week of rehearsals are often table work, which is very important to get you started, but I have done shows that just get right into it. Then you start to ask questions about your character, explore who this person is both mentaly and physicaly. Lines are important or course so at some point I learn them lol. It's also important to build a relationship with your fellow actors, this is your family for the next however many months. Then get it on your feet and really go at it, putting everything you've worked on into it. Speaking of which I must get to rehearsal...good bye.