Finding My Passion
I was fortunate to have found my passion fairly early in life – 9th grade – and once I found it, I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
Favorite Part of My Job
My favorite part of my job is directing plays. I think it must be similar to what great chefs feel – starting with some raw ingredients and transforming them into something beautiful. And then, also like great chefs, you get to drink wine afterward!
Preparing Students
Mount Union’s curriculum prepares students to be effective not only in their careers, but also in their everyday lives. Our Integrative Core is responsible for honing “life skills” like public speaking, problem solving, time management and small group communication. Regardless of how hard students study in their discipline, if they haven’t mastered these skills, they won’t be as effective in the real world.
Proudest Professional Accomplishment
I was part of the team that conceived of, and created Shakespeare at the Castle, a professional theatre company in Alliance, Ohio. I currently serve as the artistic director.
Keeping It Relevant
I believe that all course work should be relevant to students regardless of their intended career. My challenge is to help students who are majoring in academic fields other than theatre understand why the study of theatre should matter to them.
New Performing Arts Center
The Giese Center for the Performing Arts is a beautiful building, and I’m proud that this university supports the Arts in such a significant way.
Interesting Combinations
I’ve never known a school that has so many double majors; many Mount Union students have paired theatre with another major to create some very interesting combinations. In fact, I have three students who are double majoring in theatre and Japanese - take that state schools!
Not Your Typical Research
My research does not entail publishing papers in academic journals, but rather it consists of creating theatre.
Regularly Taught Courses
Acting 1 and a foundations course entitled People, Society, and Theatre