Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

I have been involved in musical theatre in the Upstate since 2004, both on and off stage. I have taught musical theatre classes for the Spartanburg Youth Theatre, and have choreographed shows for Spartanburg Little Theatre, Limestone College Theatre Department, Spartanburg Youth Theatre, and Cannons Elementary School. I have worked closely with Cannons Elementary School since 2017 as the Artist in Residence, focusing on choreography, theatre basics, stage presence, and overall performance quality while supporting their arts based curriculum standards and encouraging students to express themselves through theatre.

Artist Statement

Over the past several years of teaching musical theatre to elementary school students, I have striven to follow these principles: students are capable of more than they think they are; sometimes the ones who seem hardest to teach are the ones who appreciate it the most; being firm but kind works in almost every classroom situation; my love for what I do is contagious – even students who seem skeptical at first end up having fun when they are challenged and encouraged. Seeing students go from disengaged to beaming with pride at their work is incredibly fulfilling. Sometimes kids just need someone to believe in them and let them know that putting themselves out there can be an amazing experience.

I believe all children should have the opportunity to experience theatre in a tangible way because it helps stimulate creativity, thought processes, social awareness, and empathy for those different from ourselves. The drama and dance teachers I had in elementary school had a profound effect on my love of musical theatre; I hope to pay it forward.