it is my personal mission
When we come to the theatre to share in witnessing a story, we silently make a pact: for just a while, we all agree to believe what unfolds before our eyes. The imaginary becomes real because we believe it, and when that belief is rewarded, our experience is transcendent, our hearts and minds are changed.
My theatre is one that fosters and celebrates your imagination and belief. Rather than Realism, I practice Feelism; stagecraft which feels real, truthful, honest, regardless of whether it appears real, employing impression and suggestion to invite you to create the story with us. Like Black church and Ballroom, my work is participatory, call and response, communion, your active presence completes the experience. Imagination and belief then become a great equalizer, enabling all of us to truly see ourselves in one another, proving that despite our perceived differences and our many truths, we are all only human.
A Princess Grace Award-winner in Theatre and Jeff Award-winning director, I’ve worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Northlight Theatre, Raven Theatre, Jackalope Theatre Company, First Floor Theater, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, The Story Theatre, Refracted Theatre Company, and Windy City Playhouse in Chicago, and regionally with Yale Repertory Theatre, Theatreworks Hartford, Forward Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, Theatreworks Colorado Springs, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Geva Theatre Center, Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis, and Third Avenue Playworks. I previously served as the Associate Artistic Director at About Face Theatre, and am an adjunct faculty member at Depaul and Roosevelt Universities.
I also moonlight as a graphic designer, video editor, and web designer; I'm a fan of visual storytelling.
Photo by Collin Quinn Rice, with makeup by Syd Genco