Service

The most significant and sustained aspect of my service has been within the Department of Theatre, where I serve as the Production Manager. In this pivotal role, I am entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of all technical elements of our productions, a responsibility that encompasses far more than just the logistics. I manage budgets, ensuring that each production remains financially viable while still achieving artistic excellence. I also coordinate complex schedules, balancing the needs of students, faculty, and guest artists to create a cohesive production timeline that aligns with both academic calendars and performance deadlines.

Managing personnel is another critical aspect of my role, where I supervise and collaborate with a diverse team of designers, technicians, and stage crews. My leadership ensures that everyone involved works together harmoniously toward the common goal of bringing our theatrical production to life. This involves not only managing the day-to-day operations but also mentoring students, guiding them through the technical and creative processes that are integral to their education in theatre production.

My work as Production Manager is indispensable to the department's success, as it directly influences the quality and smooth execution of our theatrical productions. These productions are not merely performances; they are central to the educational experiences we provide to our students. Through them, students gain hands-on experience in every facet of theatre production, from design and construction to stage management and technical direction. By ensuring that each production is executed to the highest standard, I help to create a learning environment where students can thrive, develop their skills, and prepare for professional careers in the theatre.

Beyond my faculty role within the Department of Theatre, I have extended my expertise as a pro bono Theatre Consultant for Indiana State University, an opportunity that has allowed me to make a significant impact on the campus and departmental community. In this capacity, I have played a critical role in advising university officials, architects, engineers, and external consultants on the comprehensive redesign and renovation of our two primary theatre performance spaces. My involvement in this project has been multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic needs of the theatre, as well as the broader goals of the university.

Throughout this process, I have provided strategic input on everything from the acoustics and sight-lines of the performance spaces to the integration of advanced lighting, sound, and stage technologies. I have also been involved in discussions about the functional layout of these spaces to ensure they serve the diverse needs of our academic programs, community events, and professional performances. This has required close collaboration with various stakeholders to balance aesthetic considerations with practical requirements, ensuring that the renovated spaces are not only visually stunning but also highly functional and adaptable to a wide range of performances and events.

The work I have done as a Theatre Consultant has been among the most rewarding and transformative contributions of my tenure at the university. By shaping the future of our theatre facilities, I have helped to create state-of-the-art spaces that will serve as a hub for artistic expression, education, and community engagement for years to come. These improvements not only enhance the quality of our theatrical productions but also contribute to the overall cultural and educational environment of the university. The renovated theatres will provide our students with cutting-edge learning environments, attract more diverse students, and bolster the university’s reputation as a center for culture in the Wabash Valley. In this way, my work has had a lasting impact, contributing to the enrichment of both the university and the wider community.​

Throughout my tenure, I have taken an active and engaged role in university governance, where I have had the opportunity to help shape policies and initiatives that directly impact our academic community. As an elected member of the University Faculty Senate for two years, I worked alongside faculty from various disciplines to deliberate on matters of academic policy, faculty welfare, and institutional priorities. My role as Chair of the University Student Affairs Committee was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to lead efforts to address student needs, enhance campus life, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. 

My commitment to service extends beyond the university into the local community, where I actively contribute my time and expertise to organizations like the Community Theatre of Terre Haute and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). My involvement with the Community Theatre is particularly meaningful, as it allows me to give back to an organization that played a pivotal role in shaping my early life as a theatre artist. Growing up in the Wabash Valley, I developed deep roots and long-lasting relationships within the community, which I am fortunate to continue fostering through these contributions.

These experiences have not only allowed me to extend my love for theatre beyond the campus but have also helped to strengthen the ties between the university and the local community. By building relationships with community organizations, I have been able to create opportunities for collaboration, mutual support, and shared learning, which benefit both the university and the community at large. My involvement in these endeavors reflects my belief in the importance of civic engagement and my commitment to using my skills and resources to make a positive impact wherever I can.