How did you first start volunteering at Sunset?
One of my best friends, Peter Kelly (who has volunteered many times with Sunset). Got me involved! We both went to UW-Whitewater and studied theatre together, and he encouraged me to get involved again. He nudged me to audition for UNNECCESSARY FARCE in 2025, but unfortunately, I was not cast. I had such a fun time auditioning, though, that I tried again and was cast in NANAS NAUGHTY KNICKERS!
Do you have a funny Sunset Story?
I’m still new with the Sunset community, so I don’t have anything too crazy to share (yet)! But every day I rehearsed with the NANA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERS cast has been an absolute blast. Everyone has been so supportive and professional that it has been almost effortless to get back into the performing arts through Sunset. However, with any live performances you never know what will happen. So we will see if anything crazy/funny happens with NNK during our run this month.
When you’re not at Sunset, what do you like to do?
I’m a big reader. I just finished the Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown and was blown away. My all-time favorite series is the Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan. I just love exploring the new worlds and characters that authors can create. I think there is a parallel to theatre, here, in that you can view other worlds and explore stories through the eyes of characters. I also enjoy trying new foods and travelling, but I don’t get to travel as much as I like!
What’s your favorite part about theater?
The collaboration- hands down. Seeing other performers develop their characters, receiving stage direction, handling the “technical” aspects of a show, and then having it all come together for performances is incredibly satisfying. Yes, I love being on stage in front of a crowd. But performances are just the culmination of hard work put into the creative process which is satisfying in and of itself. I love watching good theatre, too. There is something unique about live performances that can never be replaced by movies.