Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born on the East Coast but grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Ballet Performance. I worked for 12 years as a professional dancer, and I recently moved to Connecticut from Portland, Oregon to be closer to my family. It’s been a big change but a good one. As a working artist, I got interested in Development because I got to see firsthand that the right amount of support can expand what’s possible for incredible art. I’m very happy to be at Hartford Stage, where I have the chance to see even more of what goes on behind the scenes.

Can you tell me a little about your dance career and how your background in dance helped prepare you for your job at Hartford Stage?

I started as a classical ballet dancer and eventually switched to contemporary dance. I’ve danced for companies in Alabama, Chicago, and my most recent home of 9 years, Portland, Oregon, with the NW Dance Project. I love physical movement and the connection it brings with others. That’s also why I love theatre! My job at Hartford Stage involves connecting with a lot of our donors and patrons. Getting to hear from people about the importance and impact that performance art has on them is also what made me interested in Development. I am so happy to be able to support the art forms I love while connecting it to those who cherish it.

What is your day-to-day work like as an Annual Fund Coordinator?

My day-to-day work includes processing all the generous donations that come into Hartford Stage and making sure our donors are acknowledged and appreciated for their contributions. I write appeals about why supporting the arts and Hartford Stage makes a difference to our local community, and I connect with donors if they have any questions or specific interests regarding our behind-the-scenes events.

What are some of the events you help organize, and how do they impact the theatre-going experience of our donors?

My favorite event that I organize for our donors is our Open Technical Rehearsal. Technical rehearsals are a great sneak peek into the moments where all the elements come together on stage. Donors get an inside view of a rehearsal that includes the crew, designers, and actors working together to make the vision of the show come to life. Donors have expressed how much this changes their experience of the actual performance, once they know everything that goes into making it run smoothly.

Why is theatre development important? How does your job impact Hartford Stage?

Theatre development is important because the arts can’t exist without the support of patrons and donors. Hartford Stage is a place for people to experience live art and connect to the actors on stage. It’s visceral. Sharing a live experience is so different than watching a performance on a screen. Hartford Stage also has an incredible education department that reaches local kids who get to experience workshops and have exposure to the theatre. I’m honored to connect donors with the important work that Hartford Stage shares with the culture and community of Hartford.

What is something about your job that may be surprising to learn?

Honestly, there are a surprising number of spreadsheets that make up my day-to-day!

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Getting to connect and build relationships with donors and patrons that love the same things I do is very rewarding. I believe in the power of live art. The opportunity to assist in funding it and sustaining it in our community means a lot to me.

Do you have any passions or hobbies outside of work?

The hobby that takes up most of my time is commuting from New Haven to Hartford. In my free time, I teach dance to children and teens. I also eat a lot of cheese.

What is your personal motto in life?

Hydration: it could change your life.