As the technical director for Beloit College’s Theatre and Dance programs, I particularly enjoy working with students in the scene shop I direct. Students who work in the shop come from all areas of campus and get hands-on experience in a variety of ways. For example, they learn to safely use hand and power tools, read drawings, problem solve, and work as a team to install scenery and lighting.

As students gain more skills and knowledge, they are given more leadership opportunities in the shop, becoming supervisors or as acting as master electricians or props masters for specific productions. My goal is that they acquire skills not only useful in theatre, but wherever their lives takes them. I began working at the college in 2009.

I teach a couple of classes at Beloit. Stage Management lays a basic foundation for the wide variety of information that stage managers need to know, and I try to provide the information in ways that will allow students use it outside the theatre building. The students learn skills such as time management, organization of materials, and ability to work well with groups; these are good skills to have in one’s life. I also mentor the student stage managers who are in charge of stage management for productions in both of our theatres.

My other class is Introduction to Design and Technology. I co-teach it with Shelbi Wilkin, our department costume designer. She also manages the costume shop. In this class students learn what goes into designing a show, be it scenic, costumes, lighting, etc. They also learn the process of taking that design and getting it on stage. Students do research based on a chosen concept, create drawings, and have sessions in both of our shops to learn basic scene construction and sewing skills.

When not playing in the theatre, I can often be found snuggling (or attempting to snuggle) with my cat, cooking up some tasty food, or getting caught up in some reading.