The longer version.

Where I am now

I'm an actor, singer and dancer based in Chicago, five years into a career that has moved between storefront theatre, big regional houses and musicals with a full orchestra in the pit. In that time I've been an understudy who went on, an ensemble member who got to build a whole world with fifteen other people, and a Jacob Marley in full chains.

The work I'm proudest of so far is Angels in America at Invictus Theatre, where I covered Prior Walter and was part of the ensemble that won the Jeff Award for Best Ensemble and Best Production. Understudying Kushner is a particular kind of education: you learn the whole play, not just your lines.

How I got here

I trained at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, with a BA in Theatre and a minor in Dance, which is where I learned that being useful in a rehearsal room matters as much as being talented in one. Since moving to Chicago I've kept training rather than waiting to be taught: Meisner with Kathy Scambiaterra at the Artistic Home, scene study on Chekhov, Williams, Shepard and Kushner at Invictus Theatre, camera and scene work at Acting Studio Chicago, and improv at the Annoyance.

How I work

I come in off-book when I can, I take a note the first time, and I'd rather try the bold version and be told to pull it back than play it safe for three weeks. Comedy is where I'm most at home, mostly because comedy is unforgiving about timing and honesty, and that discipline carries into everything else.

I'm equally happy being the funniest person in the scene or the one holding the room still. Directors tend to describe me as fast, generous and easy to work with, which I'll take, and I'm at my best on a show where the company actually likes each other.

What I'm looking for

New plays, ensemble-driven work, musicals with something to say, and comedies with real teeth. I'm Chicago-based and available for local work, regional contracts and self-tapes. If you're casting something and you're not sure whether I'm right for it, send it anyway. I'd rather read for it and find out.