Storyteller. Artist. Creator. Human.

Theatre Beyond the Stage

The Wizard Award Recipient from Montclair Dems

“Why are you a Theatre Major anyways?”

This question has been posed to me more times than I can count. Instead of getting frustrated or offended, I’ve realized that being a professional storyteller is something that a lot of people don’t understand. Why would I dedicate my life to telling stories rather than pursue a “steady” career?

I now pose this question: “Who said being a professional storyteller is not steady within itself?”

Every field can be amplified through the art of storytelling. While my ultimate goal is to become a Professor and Head of a Theatre for Social Justice Program, I have been given the opportunity to tell stories in countless fields, gaining real work experience throughout the United States. I have worked in Education, Zoology, Politics, Social Media, Safety and Security, Customer Experience, Music, Theatre, Film, Personal and Professional Development, and even Ski instructing thanks to the world of storytelling.

Theatre itself isn’t just the ability to put on a wonderful production. At its essence, theatre asks us as members of society to tell stories that make the world just a little bit better.

At my heart I am a storyteller. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

First and Foremost: A Storyteller

For nine months, I had the incredible opportunity to be an intern at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. During my program, I achieved one of the highest honors during my program time, The Goofy Graduate. After 100 hours of courses lead by Disney Teachers, I was honored with this amazing achievement! Over my time at the program, I also earned my Donald Ducktorate, Daisy Diploma, and multiple Mouseters. Through achievements in The Art of Storytelling, Hospitality, Leadership 101, Management, Professional Competencies, and more! I am so grateful for my time with Disney and everything I have learned from my Leaders there.

My first Mouseters!
A Goofy Graduate!
Orlando Pride!
My first day.
Graduation Celebration!
My first program celebration.
Backstage Tour at Star Tours.
First, of a few, Backstage Tours at Batuu!
Toy Story Land Backstage Tour.
Boo to you!
Spreading Halloween Joy.
Earning my Donald Ducktorate!
Serving Face.

Politics influence the world around us. In today’s climate, being an artist is a political action within itself. I find it impossible to sit idly by while my friends suffer at the hands of suppressive forces. If I can use politics to make a positive change within our world, I am going to.
My gift to work with kids is something that brings me insurmountable joy. Children always find a way to challenge my perspectives and reevaluate why I am who I am. I love the challenge of self reflection and the support to continuously grow and become the person I am meant to be.
One of the best things about bringing an artist onto the team is problem solving. As an artist, I am constantly looking for solutions to problems to advance my capabilities and experience. I didn’t have a website? I learned how to create one from the ground up so that my voice would be prominent within it. I wanted a certain graphic style for a project that didn’t exist? I learned how to create one. I love a challenge, and being an artist at heart truly makes sure I am always growing and developing into a better creator than I was the day before.