- Where you were born/where were you raised: Originally from Lebanon, Indiana, I moved here when I was 16 to go to a performing arts HS. I thought it would be just like FAME. It was not.
- Zodiac sign: Does it matter?
- What are/were the careers of your parents: Well, my Dad was a drywall man and worked other general construction odd jobs. My mom worked a few places; Wellman Plastics (until she lead a revolt and everyone quit). She worked at the diner in the mall for a while, a fast food joint, at the Lobo (local bar) and a bunch of other places before my grandpa died and left her and my grandma and aunt money which they used to open their own loose meat restaurant.
- Do you have any Siblings?: Nope
- Where were you trained?: Young Actors Theatre in Indianapolis, IN by Charlotte Kaufman from the ages of 6-12. Then a bunch of other workshops and classes and performing arts high school and college at UIC, but, like, mostly it all happened at YAT.
- Current favorite audition song or monologue to use: I literally only ever sing “When You’re Good To Mama” and, if forced, will do a monologue from whatever show I’m in at the moment. I’m really not good at this.
- What skill(s) are you excited to share with the audience of Shockheaded Peter?: My ability to look like a deranged toddler and creep people out with my face and abnormally large eyeballs.
- Why did you want to be a part of Shockheaded Peter? I saw it when The Tiger Lillies brought it to Chicago a million years ago. That performance and the music have stuck with me every day since. It was so powerful and weird and magical and creepy and unlike anything I’d ever seen onstage before. I love it so much. SO. MUCH.
- If you could go back in time and catch any show or performer, what would it be? I’d like to go back in time to watch Anthony watch Judy.
- Current or recent show in Chicago (other Shockheaded Peter) that you think is must-see: Well, it’s a little known show and not many people know about it yet, but there’s this really great new show called Hamilton that I think everyone should check out as soon as possible!
- Favorite show tune(s) of all time: “Rose’s Turn” from Gypsy and “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray.
- Some favorite musicals: Have you heard of Hamilton?
- Most played song in your music collection: I’m a TV watcher not a music listener. Most played TV show? Roseanne (see question 3).
- Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: MY VERY FIRST PERFORMANCE. I was 5 years old and playing Mary in the Lebanon Lutheran Church Christmas pageant. I had one line and was supposed to pick-up Baby Jesus and walk down the aisle. The little shit playing Joseph knocked me down, ripped Baby J from my arms, said my line and walked his ass down the aisle. It was dramatic AF. I was hooked.
- Worst onstage mishap: See question 14. Also, one time my dear friend Anthony fell through our trailer onstage and damn near broke his arm while dressed like a redneck cheerleader. It was pretty traumatic for all of us. She’s ok though.
- Worst costume ever: No such thing.
- Worst job you ever had: Wellman Plastics
- Craziest audition story: One time I auditioned for a new company for a show that I really wanted to do and I was doing a Neil Gaiman poem and I blanked and said “FUCK” (twice) then started over then forgot my song (which was from The Devil’s Carnival) and was a total all around spaz. That show was Coraline and it was my first time working with Ed and Black Button Eyes.
- Role(s) you’ve been dying to play: All of them. I’m a big fan of the “cry & die” roles.
- What were you afraid of as a child? I AM TERRIFIED OF GIANT THINGS. MOSTLY ANIMATRONICS AND STATUES AND STUFF THAT SHOULDN’T BE GIANT LIKE THAT FROG ON TOP OF THE RAINFOREST CAFÉ AND THAT GIANT “OUR LADY OF THE MILENNIUM” STATUE AND THAT GIANT ELMO THAT USED TO BE ON TOP OF THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. I AM USING ALL CAPS BECAUSE THAT IS HOW SCARY IT IS. Also home invasion.