In 6th grade, I quit piano lessons. It was more important to hang out at lunch with my peers than to trudge up the convent steps to Sister Maries’ piano rooms. My mother was disappointed and refused to pay for my new interest in ballet. At 15, I got a job at a fast-food restaurant to fund my dance lessons. While spending time in downtown Cleveland, I discovered Playhouse Square. With two kids in catholic high schools and one in college, my family didn’t have much money to spare, so I took a volunteer job as an usher to see the Broadway touring shows. Standing on the red-carpeted stairwell at the top of the balcony - audience settling in, houselights down, stage lights up - the moment was pure magic. Immersed in each performance, my fascination began to shift to the audience: how they reacted, what pulled them in, how a single moment could suspend their breath. When I landed a performance scholarship and coveted spot in the BFA acting class at Ohio State University, my mother was back on board with supporting my path which eventually led to NYC. In figuring out how to pursue my art independently, I discovered not just my path — but my voice — and always attuned to the audience. Please check out my resume and see my best work-to-date.