When did you participate in the Shooting Stars program?

My Senior year at Shawnee Mission North, 2000.

How did you utilize your Shooting Stars scholarship?

I used my scholarship to study theatre at the University of Kansas for 2 years. I then transferred to and eventually graduated with a BA in Theatre from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

What type of fine/performing/visual art were you passionate about then and do you still pursue that art today?

Acting/SInging was my main focus back then, and I’m proud to say that’s only gotten stronger!

What has been happening in your life since you participated in
the Shooting Stars program?

A lot has happened over the past 17 years! I completed my studies at UMKC and earned my degree in theatre, making lots of great friendships and business connections along the way. I stepped away from performing for a few years after college, but it didn’t take me long to realize that’s where I was meant to be. Today I’m lucky enough to be a part of the vibrant theatre community in Kansas City. I’ve been privileged to perform in some great productions with truly amazing casts, like “Heathers: The Musical” (Unicorn Theatre), “Rosa Parks and The Montgomery Bus Boycott” (Coterie Theatre),  “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” (MET), and “Cinderella” (Theatre for Young America) to name a few. Something truly special has been the opportunity to originate roles in not 1, but 2 World Premiere productions by local playwrights. The first was “Chainsaw: The Musical” which was originally produced at The Living Room. We’re also in the process of remounting the production with Kokopelli Theatre Company, and will run Oct & the 1st week of Nov at The Arts Asylum. The second was “The Ballad of Lefty & Crabbe”, also produced at The Living Room, and I’m really excited to see where it goes from here! I’ve also performed in numerous original works from playwrights around the world as part of the New Play Lab at the William Inge Theatre Festival in Independence, KS the last 2 years. There’s nothing quite like sitting on the porch at William Inge’s house, talking to your friends about life and the world, to give you a “How did I get here?! I’m not worthy!!” moment!

Over the past few years I’ve been getting more and more in to Commercial and Voice Over work, which has been a blast! I signed with Exposure Model & Talent Agency and they’ve been phenomenal. I got to run around Kauffman Stadium and star in a spot for the Kansas Lottery and The Royals. I played Dougie Dugout, a rapper who couldn’t contain his fandom for the Royals.

That spot led to another one for the Kansas Lottery, but this time with the Chiefs! I got to play Dougie Lee Roth, an 80’s Rock Band frontman with a serious case of Chiefs fever. I honestly have to keep pinching myself because in what other line of work would I be able to do all the crazy things I get to do?!

How has the Shooting Stars program helped you to become a
better artist?

I was seriously thinking about not going to college after high school. I thought I would just jump straight in to acting somewhere on the coast. But the opportunity to participate in the Shooting Stars program put me on the path that led me to where I am today. I have no doubt in my mind, that I wouldn’t have half the opportunities I do today if it weren’t for my choice to go to college, and the Shooting Star scholarship helped me make that choice.