I’ve been performing since I was five years old. FIVE! The stage has always been home. The lights, the laughter, the energy in a room when something lands . That immediate feedback from an audience—those laughs, that collective breath, that electric “yes”—it feeds me. It always has. I still love being onstage. I don’t feel done with it. Not even close. And yet. Somewhere along the way, something unexpected happened. I started finding more fulfillment in front of the classroom (although — I...

For a long time, I thought being a good director, teacher, or ensemble member meant having answers. Giving notes. Building structures. Setting the tone. And while all of that matters, the longer I do this work, the more I realize something else is just as important — sometimes more important. Making space. Not spotlight space. Not “my vision” space. But real, intentional space for other people to grow into who they are becoming. Over the last few years, as my roles in this community...

There’s a lot of talk in the arts about talent, strategy, branding, and timing. And yes—those things can matter. But none of them get to live if you don’t show up. And I’m writing this as someone who has had to relearn that. This year, I’ve really struggled with my health. Some physical challenges. Some unexpected limits. And with them… bouts of sadness and depression. Days when getting out the door took more energy than the performance. Days when I was rejected from performing or...