MY WORK
ACTOR
My approach to acting is simple: I try to be present. I don’t always know what I’m doing, but I trust myself to figure it out. I like to research things I care about, but I also believe the best learning happens by doing. When I’m performing, I stay open and curious, even when I don’t have all the answers. I think the more truth you bring to your art, the more people connect to it. I like being grounded in something real, but I also love taking big swings and making bold choices. That balance of honesty and risk feels like home to me.
SINGER
I've loved to sing for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to music from the 1950s and 1960s and I connect more with those songs than a lot of contemporary music.
I've been training with Xavier Taylor for several years. I admire Xavier because he can sing so many different styles and because he's a great educator.
I'll be back to write more about
music and singing very soon.
ARTIST
I get inspired by people who can smile through anything—people with confidence and determination. Tupac Shakur is one of my biggest inspirations because he’s completely honest in his art, even when it’s raw. I also love actors who go all in, like Chris Tucker or the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. They’re ridiculous in the best way, but there’s truth in what they do. And sometimes I’m most inspired by my friends: like watching someone sing their heart out and realizing how powerful that connection is.
ABOUT
MY STORY
Folks have been calling me an "old soul" since I was three feet tall. It's true that I am drawn to older music, stories, and art. I rarely use social media, I downgraded to a flip phone, and I want to connect with the folks I care about in person and not online. Maybe that's why theater and music are such a great fit for me!
I was born in Danville, VA but have spent most of my life in Charlottesville, VA and a good amount of time in Chautauqua NY. I am currently a homeschool student/dual enrollment at PVCC and that allows me the flexibility to pursue my passions of acting and music. I began traveling with my family a few years ago and our trip to Japan made a huge impact on me. I love collecting, everything from comics to manga to cassettes, DVDs and even VHS tapes - I love and appreciate physical media. I am a deep thinker and I although I plan to major in theater in college I hope to explore philosophy and philosophers for the rest of my life. If you see me in person, it's likely I'll be wearing a Tupac shirt and comfy pants. If not, I'll probably be in a suit. I'm currently applying to school for theater while managing my homeschool schedule and participating in multiple shows. I've been to JTF Atlanta for many years, but always as an observer.
This year I'm performing in both JTF Atlanta and JTF West. This last year has been nonstop in terms of performance, and barely a week has gone by when I'm not rehearsing for at least one show. When I'm not rehearsing or researching, you can find me watching TV or hanging out with my dog, Ella.
WHAT'S UP?
I just wrapped the film DUET, part of the Adrenaline Film Project. It was my first lead in a film and I got to dust off my rap skills for the role of Ace. Thanks to Light House Studio, Bernard Hankins and Anwar Allen.
I'm currently in the process of auditioning for college theatre programs and spending time visiting a few schools for call backs and meetings.
I'm also continuing rehearsal for four projects:
*Into the Woods, where I'm playing both the Baker and Rapunzel's Prince.
*I'm going to be singing at Radio City Music Hall on Dec. 13 and preparing an a cappella piece with our group, made up of singers from Charlottesville, VA and Sacramento, CA.
*I'm performing as the Mathemagician in a piece for JTF West from The Phantom Tollbooth
*I'm also in a performance troupe for JTF Atlanta for the first time, and we're doing a cut from Guys & Dolls.
