Education
2024
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Ph.D.
Performance Studies/Critical Cultural Studies
Wrote, directed, and performed in award winning "In Service of Venus" and "Inheritance of a Flyover," as well as multiple short plays. Acted in and/or directed over 30 other mainstage performances. Instructor of Intro to Oral Communication, Public Speaking, and Performing Cultures through Literature, and Storytelling classes. Produced Big Muddy Shorts: Fantasies (An Evening of Short Plays). Authored and edited Intro to Oral Communication Workbook. Recipient of the Kleinau Lifetime Achievement Award. Recipient of multiple teaching and service awards including the SIU System-wide Distinguished Service Award and Elyse L. Pineau Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching. Recipient of the prestigious Dissertation Research Fellowship Award in the SIU Hall of Fellows. Studied performance theory, playwriting and new play development, experimental methods, and solo performance.
2012
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
M.S.
Performance Studies
Wrote, directed, and performed in the award winning "Meat My Package" as well as multiple short plays. Acted in 10 other mainstage performances. Instructor of Intro to Public Speaking. Studied performance theory, performance art, performance of literature, storytelling, and performing the personal narrative.
2009
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
B.S.
Major: Communication Studies - Performance Studies
Minor: Theater - Acting
Graduated Cum Laude. Awarded the Tekla Story Award for Excellence in Acting. Appeared as an actor in 10 mainstage performances during duration of degree. Studied acting, performance studies, theatre history, scene shop design and construction.
2007
Sauk Valley Community College
A.A.
Major: Theater - Acting
Studied acting, performance art, theatre history, film, performing literature, directing, and playwriting. Appeared in 11 mainstage performances during duration of degree.