August 1, 2023
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Middle and Upper School Theater Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
International School of Minnesota
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated in 2007 with a Theatre Arts degree from Augsburg University. Right after undergrad, I moved to London, England and completed my studies at the London International School of Performing Arts. Upon my return to Minneapolis, I worked as an Education and Access Associate at Stages Theatre Company, as well as music directed and composed many productions while on staff. I was Artistic Associate of Performing Arts at Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts where I collaborated to produce new works of musical theater with artists with and without disabilities. During Covid, I switch careers and moved fully into education. I taught music at Alice Smith Elementary and was the Head of Performing Arts at the International School of Minnesota.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
The atmosphere at MPA is so welcoming and kind, who wouldn’t want to be a part of it? As schools start more and more to take away arts classes, I found it exiting to see that MPA has the arts fully woven into the curriculum. Not just theater, but all arts have a place for students.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I look forward to building on the strong traditions of the MPA theater department, and bring new opportunities to the table. Theater is really old, and while we can’t forget where it has come from, there are so many new forms and stories being created to build and develop upon. For me, theater isn’t always about performing. It is about developing the power to stand in front of others and speak your truth, whether that is in a class, a board meeting, with your family, or presenting brand new scientific data to a committee. It is about getting groups of people together to complete a massive task that often times seems insurmountable. It is about finding new ways to solve problems effectively. This type of work, will assist all students no matter what path they decide to take.
What’s your big dream?
To travel as much as possible and step foot on every continent – even Antarctic. I have been to the Arctic Circle, but was not able to see a polar bear. Hopefully, that can happen one day.
What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
I’m very passionate about telling stories, and feel everyone has a story to share. It is really important to understand who we are, where we come from, and where we want to go. I have been lucky to find theater, so I can work with others to share stories all day long. I’m also very passionate about coffee and bubbly water.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
House plants are near and dear to my heart. My house has become a jungle.
