We look to the past to shape our future. Who are you? Where are you going from here?

I am a senior at the University of Mary Washington where I am studying Theatre, Communications & Digital Studies, and Arts Administration. This season I am TAM’s Arts Administration Intern and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I have been very fortunate that my studies have allowed me to discover my love for all aspects of theatre including acting, directing, costume design, and of course, arts administration. After this, I am returning to UMW for my senior year of college and one of my most exciting upcoming projects is being the Assistant to the Director on my university’s production of Fun Home!

What most excites you about being a part of TAM’s 50th Anniversary Season?

The incredible artists I have met here as well as being a part of the history! It is amazing to see the talent that has come through TAM in these past 50 years, and to be a part of it has been truly amazing.

We’re all about making old things new and new things classic. Why are you drawn to Classic Theatre? How do you shake it up?

I was very fortunate to have an incredible English teacher, Mrs. Lewis, who taught us Hamlet with such a fiery passion for the text. That experience was my first dip to the world of classic theatre, and I have loved it ever since. I think part of shaking it up is about digging deep into texts and figuring out why these stories are still relevant, and why they deserve to be heard right now. After you establish that, I think the rest will fall into place!

Who inspires you and why?

So, so many people. Besides my family and friends who inspire me to no end—Elizabeth Johnson Young, for being the best professor I’ve ever had. The entertainment marketing company, SpotCo, because everything they do makes me want to push myself to be the best I can be in my field. Riley Sheehy, whose incredible paintings and prints I adore! Finally, all of the artists I am lucky enough to work with at TAM, as well as the amazing artists in the DC Theatre scene that consistently blow my mind with their talents.

You can have dinner with any three influential people. Who are your dream guests, why them, and what is the topic of conversation?

First, my wonderful Nana who passed away last year. She may not have been influential in the grand scope of things, but she was certainly influential to me and everyone else who had the pleasure of meeting her. I would love to update her on everything I’ve accomplished since she passed and get more of her one-of-a-kind life advice.

Second, David Harbour because I would give anything to talk to him about his experience at TAM. It inspires me endlessly to know that someone I admire so much worked at the same place as me!

Finally, probably Kiel James Patrick because I’m just dying to know all of his marketing secrets! He’s so incredible at what he does, and I’d love for him to bestow some of that knowledge onto me.

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am incredibly proud of myself for making it to senior year and the fact that I will be graduating on time as a double major and a minor! It was no easy feat, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What’s your super power?

Making to-do lists and organizing my planner!