When I was six years old, something magical happened—I discovered the world of theatre. From the moment I first set foot on stage, I was hooked. The bright lights, the excitement of bringing a character to life, and the connection with the audience all drew me in. As I grew older, that passion only deepened, and before long, I knew that this was more than just a hobby; it was my calling.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing some incredible roles. Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Princess Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Jane Porter in Tarzan, Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, and Princess Jasmine in Aladdin are just a few of the characters who have become a part of me. Each role has taught me something new, not just about acting but about life and the human experience.
But my journey in theatre hasn’t been without its challenges. I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as an adult, and navigating life on the spectrum has been a complex and often difficult process. Yet, theatre has always been a place where I can be myself. It’s where I’ve found my voice and where I’ve learned to connect with others in meaningful ways. Being on the spectrum has shaped who I am as a performer, giving me a unique perspective and a deep well of emotion to draw from in my performances.
A pivotal moment in my journey came when I began studying with Hilary Maiberger, a vocal coach whose expertise in The Somatic Voicework™ Teachers method has transformed my approach to performance. In addition to Hilary’s amazing teaching abilities, she is also the longest-running Belle from Broadway’s Beauty and Beast’s National / International Tour. This, coupled with her incredible teaching skills has truly helped to guide me. Under Hilary’s guidance, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. She has taught me the skills and techniques that allow me to portray characters with authenticity and depth, and she has helped me find my own voice within the roles I play.
In addition to my work on stage, I spent two and a half years bringing joy to children as a Disney princess at parties. There’s something truly special about seeing a child’s face light up when they meet their favorite princess, and those experiences have stayed with me, reminding me of the power of theatre to create magical moments.
I’m also deeply committed to advocating for neurodivergent representation in the arts. I align myself with organizations like Autism Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Autistics For Autistics (A4A) and encourage others to learn more. I believe that the stage should be a place where everyone’s story is told, and I’m passionate about using my platform to make that vision a reality.
As I look to the future, I’m excited to continue my journey in theatre. I know that there will be challenges ahead, but I also know that with passion, perseverance, and the support of those around me, I can overcome them. My dream is to inspire others, to show that no matter what obstacles you face, the stage is a place where you can shine. This is just the beginning of my story, and I can’t wait to see where it will lead.