My stage experience also includes solo performances in Beethoven 9 at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, in Final Fantasy Orchestra at the New Jersey Center for Performing Arts, and in Carmina Burana with the Skidmore Chorus. I have presented recitals at the Albany Institute of History and Art, the Tang Museum, and the Hyde Collection (all in New York State), and with Central City Opera for their Lunch and Art Song series in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. 

As an educator and facilitator, I developed opera & music-theater inspired workshops, residencies, and educational performances in Philadelphia, New York, and the West Coast of Florida and maintained faculty positions at Skidmore College, ArtSmart, and other small educational institutions. Outside of the arts sector, I have facilitated and developed immersive residencies centered on political change and purpose at the Harvard Kennedy School, Olivetti Leadership Institute in Northern Italy, and with renew-ed in Costa Rica, a year-long collective seeking holistic strategies of racial justice for teachers and leaders in the public schools.  

As a producer, I supported educational concerts across NYC featuring a roster of cross-discipline musicians, co-created a lecture series w/ artists and activists from across the world speaking on arts, education, and justice, launched a devised political satire created and performed by 40+ artists with disabilities with InteractArts, and managed Theater Mu’s world premiere HELLS CANYON. I was on the production team of the Great Northern Festival, collaborating on a site-specific dance piece set on the Frozen Lake at Silverwood Park, and am the current Blackbird Creative Lab Director, producing an immersive residency for musicians and composers seeking creative and practical development. The Lab is hosted by Grammy-award winning Eighth Blackbird and held at the Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, WI. 

Without a doubt, my first task with students is to create awareness in mind and body that we are ALL artists. Living, breathing works of art! I begin workshops and residencies offering exercises that cultivate a sense of self, both in emotional and body understanding. We answer questions like “How would I describe my emotions today?”, “What am I feeling in my body?” and “How am I showing up today?” We navigate self-expression through conversation, creative writing and drawing, and character building. 

When devising, I look to the students to share the things that move them! I ask questions like “What keeps you up at night?” “What's the first thing you think of in the morning?” & “What change do you want to see in your school, in your community, and in the world?” 

The answers to these questions are partnered with music and lyrics - often submitted by the students. The intersecting energy of these two resources create the foundation for our story to tell! Uniquely crafted for each classroom, the story comes alive through journal prompts, improvisation, blocking and movement, research and visual art! There is no right answer in this work - we seek risk, experimentation, commitment, discipline, and creativity. 

I aim to celebrate a classroom in which we are all the teachers - and my role is to facilitate a space that allows for trust and community-building to drive the process of devising. I have been so lucky to work with hundreds of students who have shared their light with me in this work and cannot wait to meet you and your students here in Minnesota! 

Residencies

Curriculum connections to academic standards - The workshops listed below will enhance Artistic Foundations, Process, Connection, Context, and Response, with activities crafted to enhance active listening, collaboration, self-reflection, and creative writing. 

From Song to Character! 

This engaging and creative workshop is designed to harness the power of music to inspire the creation of unique characters and develop captivating stories. During the workshop, participants will explore songs from various genres as a source of inspiration. Through guided exercises and discussions, they will learn how to extract the essence of a song and translate it into compelling characters with depth and complexity. 

Unleashing Your Inner Character! 

This immersive residency begins with the class coming together as a community to read a book or watch a movie. Through this shared experience, participants will embark on a journey of self- exploration and creative expression that places themselves at the center of the story. 

Following the communal reading or viewing, students will deconstruct the core themes, character relationships, and emotional experiences portrayed in the book or movie. Through a series of unique exercises, both as individuals and in groups, participants will look at how these themes and experiences may relate to their own lives. 

The Cabaret of Change 

Cabaret of Change residency offers a unique opportunity for students to explore and engage with topics and actions related to justice and change-making. Throughout the residency, students will collectively choose a specific topic, allowing them to delve deep into their passion for social transformation. 

At the end of the residency, students will have the chance to perform in their own "Cabaret of Change," sharing their unique perspectives and inspiring others to take action. This event serves as a platform for students to showcase their artistic talents and express their ideas through a curated program of visual, written, vocal, movement, and spoken arts. 

This transformative experience will empower students to become agents of change in their communities, using their artistic talents to advocate for justice and create a positive impact

Workshops and Performances (1-3 hours) 

Soundtrack to the Story (Workshop) 

This immersive session invites students to dive deeper into songs of any genre, unraveling the intricate bond between music and lyrics. By taking a closer look at the interplay of words and melodies, students will fine-tune their ability to listen more attentively and develop a stronger appreciation for the art of songcraft. Students will participate in a series of engaging exercises, designed to explore the nuanced connection between music and lyrics. The sessions foster active listening, encourages critical analysis, and inspires creative expression. 

Voice and Story Workshop (Workshop) 

The Voice and Story workshop is a transformative experience designed for vocal students who are eager to explore and strengthen their connection with their voice. This workshop focuses on two key aspects: vocal technique and storytelling, allowing students to develop a well-rounded and expressive vocal performance.  

Throughout the workshop, students will have the opportunity to work closely with g. With a deep understanding of vocal dynamics and performance, g will guide students through exercises and techniques aimed at enhancing vocal control, range, tone, and expression. 

The workshop is not limited to individual vocalists; it can also cater to small ensembles, music theater students, or choirs.