My first year of college was at Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids, IA) where most of my training was in developmental acting classes.  In my free time I would help out in the scene shop.

I graduated from Coe College (Cedar Rapids, IA) in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts with and emphasis in Scenic and Lighting Design.  Being a small liberal arts school, Coe gave me the opportunity to really get a feel for every aspect of the theater.  This helped not only ensure a solid basis for knowing what I wanted to do, but also helped me to understand how each and every part of the theater is connected.  It’s all about the three C’s; Cooperation, Communication, and Collaboration!

While at Coe I also participated in the study away New York Term.  The term consisted of viewing several arts performances or venues a week and 3 internships; JKLD as a lighting technician intern, The Ensemble Studio Theatre and Ten Directions.

I received my MFA from Western Illinois University‘s Department of Theater and Dance in Spring 2014.  While my emphasis was in Scenic Design, I also completed course work and designs in Lighting and Costume Design.  During my time with the University I had an assistantship in the Scene Shop and was the Scenic Designer for one of the main-stage shows each semester.  Another departmental position I had was as the Technical Director for The Simpkins Studio Theater space and I was one of the Lighting and Scenic Designers for the studio shows as well.