Title
Professor of Theatre, Department of Fine and Performing Arts
How many years have you worked at Saint Mary’s?
24 academic years (1999-2023)
How do you hope you are remembered?
I hope I am remembered for being a fair teacher. I hope my dedication to teaching theatre and my prideful joy of learner accomplishments in my voice studio, classrooms, and productions are what are remembered most.
What will you mostly be remembered for?
I have no idea! I’m sure my students have some interesting stories. Probably my idolization of Stephen Sondheim!
What have you enjoyed most about teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is observing students as they mature over four years. Their ability to grow exponentially always amazes me. Historically, the craft of theatre has been taught through apprenticeship programs. Actors in the wings learning from other actors. This is how any good drama program becomes an excellent one over time. And, I hope that is where we ended up.
What are you most proud of from your career?
I am most proud of our performances and productions. I wanted to introduce students to as many periods and styles as I could and I think I covered quite a few. I’m hoping that the list of productions below will spark some wonderful memories for alumni reading this. I did 18 musicals, 20 plays, and four Candlelight revues while at Saint Mary’s. And, some folks may remember the performances we did for the retirement of Brother Louis DeThomasis, FSC, and the welcome for Brother William Mann, FSC.
Stage Direction: “Sondheim on Sondheim;” “Legally Blonde, the Musical;” “Songs for a New World;” “9 to 5: The Musical;” “She Loves Me;” “A Grand Night for Singing;” “Next to Normal;” “Two Rooms;” “Medea: A Virgin’s Voice;” “Pentecost;” “Necessary Targets;” “Our Town” (Winona); “The Swing Set” (SPLaSH); “Machinal;” “The Lightning Bug;” “All’s Well That Ends Well;” “Fallen Angels;” “A Chorus Line;” “Bus Stop;” “Company;” “Yerma;” “Candlelight Outta Sight!;” “remains;” “Our Town” (London); “Cabaret” (co-direction with Dr. Gary Diomandes); “The Misanthrope;” “Sea Gull;” “The House of Bernarda Alba;” “subUrbia (London);” “Two Gentlemen of Verona;” and “Uncle Harry.”
Music Direction: “Next to Normal;” “The Drowsy Chaperone;” “Working;” “Urinetown;” “Guys and Dolls;” “Candlelight Night & Day;” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee;” “Candlelight by the Sea;” “Baby;” “Gypsy;” “Into the Woods;” and “Candlelight 2000.”
Most vivid memory: Being in London with students during 9/11.
What are your retirement plans?
I plan to get back to Michigan more often to see my 94-year-old mom! And, I want to travel to places I’ve not been to like New Orleans, Yellowstone National Park, Savannah, Ga., the Grand Canyon … nothing fancy. I love Alaska and hope I eventually get back there for another visit. I will continue my work with the Sandbar Storytelling Festival, as well as other performance-based opportunities in the area.