My most successful year to date- career-wise (& personally)!

I had such a blast creating four new relationships with Equity theaters this year!
1.) In April/May I was a part of the inaugural season of Ocean State Theatre Company's new home in Warwick, RI - closest commute ever :)  A friendly, professional company- it was a blast to explore the classic score of "King & I", directed by Amiee Turner.
2.) The early summer brought my debut at the Ivoryton Playhouse in CT where FOOTLOOSE kept us cutting loose!  Fab experience with a talented cast & director, Richard Amelius.
3.)  Was so thankful to cut my teeth on some Shakepeare (in the park).  Debuted with Colonial Theatre in Westerly, RI as Bianca in "Taming of the Shrew".  So cool to work with a troupe that reconvenes each summer!
4.)  This December, I was so thankful to be brought on to "Miracle on 34th Street" at Stoneham Theatre by director, Ilyse Robbins!  Ilyse had choreographed "Ave Q" at Lyric Stage Co, and it was so good to work under her strong, fun & inspiring leadership again!

My coaching & directing career found new growth!
See previous post about my direction of 140 first-third graders in "Aladdin, Kids".  Brought me back to my Missoula Children's Theatre Days! Such joy!

In the spring, I worked as a Puppet Coach for Roger Williams University's production of "Avenue Q", and realized I can never get enough of the show!!  In fact, I'm about to Puppet Coach for another production in Massachusetts :)

Other fun gigs included classes taught at the Tiverton Middle School, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, Rockwell School and summer camp at Arts Alive Barrington. 

My private lesson studio continues to thrive as I helped a few more students make All-State Chorus & Orchestra on voice and trombone!

Married the man of my dreams!!
Making the commitment to Justin was a joyful and amazing event that has led to me taking more time to stop and enjoy life!  My goals will still be there if I take a few hours off every now and then...

Stay tuned to find out what 2014 is shaping up to look like...

Rehearsals have begun for my Ocean State Theatre Company Debut in my first Rodgers & Hammerstein musical "The King & I".  An exciting cast from NY, Chicago and the New England area.  Since this company opened it's doors December, 10 minutes from my future home, I've been looking forward to working with them.  Psyched I did not have to wait for long!

We run April 24-May 19.  Purchase tickets here!

In just three weeks, "Aladdin Kids" will go up at the Barrington High School with the approximately 140 first, second and third graders from the NayatI've been directing since October!  The students have been working very hard to bring their best singing, acting and dance talents to each rehearsal.  

Happy New Year!  2012 has been a year of professional and personal growth, with lots to celebrate... 

I began relationships with three reputable theatre companies this year: Lyric Stage Company ("Avenue Q"), New Bedford Festival Theatre ("Hairspray") and Merrimack Repertory Theatre ("Beat Generation").  The wonderful world of puppetry made "Avenue Q" an amazingly unique experience.  "Hairspray" was exciting every night, as we performed to audiences of 1000+ each night.  And the world premier of Jack Keruoac's "Beat Generation" was pure joy, as I shared the stage with actors I admired from the New York stage and television.

I experienced tremendous growth and success with students in various classes and hundreds of private lessons.  My students earned scholarships to Camp Broadway, won East Bay Idol, and were accepted to the Rhode Island All-State Band & Chorus. As a choreographer, I found joy developing pieces for musical theater as well as for a 40th birthday party!  I directed "Once On this Island, Jr." at Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts, a summer camp for Arts Alive in Barrington and began rehearsals for "Aladdin Kids" at Nayatt School.  Click HERE for more info on my private lessons/classes/directing projects.

On a personal note, I purchased a new cello, and have been passionately practicing my dream instrument (which I actually began playing at the age of 8 and put down at the age of 13).  I perform with the Rhode Island College Chamber Orchestra, and have been invited to join their Symphony Orchestra. 

Finally, the year ended with an engagement ring.  I just couldn't be happier!

Somehow, I knew 2012 would be a good year!  It was sad to say "goodbye" to AVENUE Q at the Lyric. Not only was it my Boston debut, but I learned the craft of puppetry, and formed new relationships with a ton of great actors, crew, musicians and directors.  It is a show I'd love to perform in again and again, and hope another production of AVE Q will present itself soon. 

However, I'm onto the next show, and rehearsals for HAIRSPRAY at New Bedford Festival Theater could not be going any better.  Like my Mrs. T/Girl Bear/Ensemble track in AVENUE Q, the Female Authority Figure in HAIRSPRAY affords me great opportunity to play an array of characters ranging from neurotic Prudy Pingleton, to a Gym Teacher, to a manly Matron of the Jail,  Loving it! 

Definitely come check us out:  July 20-22, 26-29 New Bedford Festival Theatre
Discount tickets on Groupon:  http://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-new-bedford-festival-theatre?c=dnb&p=1
Discount tickets on BosTix: http://www.bostix.org/event/detail/441605549/Hairspray