ABOUT ME
North Homewood (he/him)
Eat It! (2023)
Since 2015, I've been working in Chicago as a professional actor, and it has been a heck of a journey. I've studied at many different studios and appeared in theatres all over and around the city, both equity and non-equity, working shows of all genres, from musical theatre to Shakespeare to TYA. I've done television, short film, and voiceover. I've been with two different agents (and if you're new to the business, I'm happy to talk about what that's like!). I've worked with all kinds of teachers and coaches with varying backgrounds and approaches, and I believe in finding an approach that best works for the performer, whether it's a known method or something more tailor-made. Be like our favorite animated gazelle and Try Everything, until you find what works for you!
Southern Comfort (2019)
Mamma Mia! (2021)
What I Do
Do you have a big audition coming up? A piece you want to work on to keep in your back pocket? Booked a role for a play and want to make sure you really wow your audience? I'm here to work with you on a wide variety of materials, including (but not limited to):
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Contemporary drama
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Comedy
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Period pieces
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Shakespeare and other classical texts
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Theatre for Young Audiences
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Film and Television
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Speech
and my personal favorite...
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The acting side of musical theatre!
Twelfth Night (2022)
Work In Progress (2021)
A Shadow Bright and Burning (2024)
Specialized Study
Musical Theatre -
Musical theatre is my top specialty and my absolute favorite thing to work on! There are many vocal coaches out there to help you belt those crazy notes, but although I do have knowledge as a performer of musical theatre and have studied music theory, I am no vocal coach; my focus in your musical pieces is on the acting side of your performance.
A college professor of mine used to say, "An audience will forgive anything except not believing you."
Many performers focus so hard on their singing that they forget to connect their audiences with the incredible emotions that come up when we sing. Ten times out of ten, I would rather watch a performer feel things than sing with technical perfection. I'll guide you to find the balance between your beautiful singing voice and the emotional truth and connection that will have your message truly resonating with your audience.
I am not a pianist, but if you cannot find a recording to work with, I have software that can import your sheet music and play it back for us (email me with any questions about this)!
Shakespeare -
I love working with Shakespeare and other classical or heightened text, and my goal with it is always to make you sound like you talk that way all the time! I've studied with some excellent teachers (I learned use of the Folio from Bob Mason, Casting Director at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), but if you're looking for someone who's made Shakespeare their life's work and specializes in that type of coaching, I also have an excellent recommendation for you!
Dialects-
I do have experience assisting dialect coaches on productions with English dialects (as someone with a native English accent); I am not a dialect coach and have not studied the pedagogy of linguistics, but I am happy to help as part of our work together on pieces with dialects with which I have experience! If it looks like you might need some more in-depth dialect work, I can send you to some excellent folks.
If you need a recommendation for a vocal, Shakespeare, dialect, speech pathology, or other specialized coach, get in touch! I have a great network and can contact you with excellent folks.