Like most young girls, I dreamed of being a ‘Superstar.’ I had always been a ham, but also very shy. I know, an oxymoron. To me, acting was being able to break from my shell, be anyone I wanted to be, and thanks to the script, I always knew what to say. Although, I had a few small bit roles in some church productions, I didn’t start being serious about drama until I was in high school, where I immersed myself in all aspects of the theatre.
I had an incredible drama teacher in high school. I am grateful we had such a large drama department and a great Thespian troupe. My oldest son attends a small, rural high school where they only perform only two shows a year—so sad. He has become involved in theatre and I wish there was more opportunities for him.
Karen, my drama teacher, encouraged me to be a writer. She thought I was very creative and had a vivid imagination, but I wanted nothing to do with writing back then. No, I wanted to act. My first acting experience was a children’s theatre production of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, which I also one of the co-directors. For the most part, I was a behind the scenes gal, building sets, hanging lights, assistant directing, and stage-managing.
When I started college at WOSC, I was cast in my very first play production, A Christmas Carol, which was adapted and directed by the multi-talented Patrick Page. I was very active in the drama department and continued to perform, stage-manage, build sets, work on the stage crew, and was assistant shop supervisor. Two of my biggest achievements were being nominated for an Irene Ryan and attending ACTF in Anchorage, Alaska. I was also recognized in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. My favorite role, and the one most people recognize me from was the yellow high-top tennis shoe wearing fairy godmother in Sleeping Beauty. I really hammed up the role, and had a great time performing for the kids.
I finished my years at WOSC, graduating with a degree in Secondary Education. Then soon after I graduated I moved to Seattle, where I became a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical Employees, stage managed countless productions, had an internship at Seattle’s Group Theatre, and worked great community theatres, like Burien Little Theatre, Mt. Baker Theatre, and Renton Civic Theatre. Later, I went back to school to earn a Masters degree in Theatre, with an emphasis in directing, from Western Washington University. I've directed Medea, Baby, From Five to Five-Thirty, A Christmas Carol, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
Being a full-time mother and wife has limited the about of time I can devote to the theatre and I miss it, although I would not trade being a mom for anything. I would love to direct another play, and hope I have the opportunity soon. I miss the stage, the limelight, the applause, and the friendships. But for now I concentrate on writing, it keeps the creative juices flowing, and keeps me out of trouble.