Neighborhood: Costa Mesa
Hometown :Buena Park

What inspires you as an artist?
My inspiration comes from the children I teach. They develop a passion for theatre, gain self confidence, find ways to express themselves, and thrive in a place where everyone is welcome. The experiences and skills they gain not only help them as performers, but are applied to real life scenarios in academics, relationships, and outlook on life. Seeing students blossom as performers and as people is what inspires me.

Tell us a story from your childhood that illuminates who you are as an artist?
When I was 5, my brother was in a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. My family attended all 8 performances. By show 4, I had learned all the colors of the coat, 29 to be precise. By show 8, I could be a swing for one of the performers after I learned the lyrics, staging, and choreography.

Who are or were your theatrical heroes?
My theatrical heroes are all my teachers and trainers that saw something in me that I didn't. I was a performer first, but it was my teachers trust in me to lead and share my knowledge where I found my love in teaching. And, of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber.

What kind of theatre excites you?
The theatre that excites me the most is anything that can make me cry. I don't cry easily, but theatre that can take me on an emotional rollercoaster, leave me happy, sad, shocked, confused is what excites me.

What’s the craziest thing you have ever needed to do for theatre?
I was playing Marius in a production where we used fake blood packets during barricade scenes. We were trained to bite off a piece of plastic to open the pack. The excitement of live theatre must have gotten to me and the pack exploded in my mouth. I had to sing "A Little Fall of Rain" with fake blood dripping out of my mouth.

Outside of a theatre, what’s your favorite hot spot in Orange County?
The Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach is a great spot to meet local artists and admire their work. Shoutout Douglas Miller!

What surprises you the most about your role in the theatre community?
How diverse the community is, yet how small the circle is. I love getting to work with the same people I did shows ago, or seeing people I've known for years get casted and get work.

What advice do you have for theatre artists just starting out in Orange County?
Educators and leaders are very generous and are always open to learning and experiencing new things.

Go ahead, promote your things…. (Websites, social handles, past achievements, etc.)
Directed and Choreographed 35+ shows, theatre summer camp director, theatre and audition workshops, high school show choir choreographer, college dance showcase choreographer