Directing Statement
Theatre is here to invite us into worlds we would not find ourselves inclined to explore, and people we wouldn't go out of our way to meet in day to day life. It allows us sneak peeks into worlds we may not understand, and should challenge us to examine why we think, or act the way we do. In my opinion, watching a theatre piece should result in further reflection into our own inner psyche.
As a writer and director, I am invested in ways we can use theatre to challenge audiences perceptions and preconceived notions about not only the art form, but about life itself. I'm particularly interested in unconventional theatre, and how bringing audiences outside of a traditional space can make them more susceptible to experiences. I love using elements of horror, as well as human's relationship with memory, and ghosts within my work.
I'm inspired by female led contemporary works, as well as creative interpretations of oldies, connecting them to contemporary societal issues.
I Love-
By Aly Mackenzie MacDonald
A story of grief and repressed memories. The beautifully complicated relationship between Alice and Henry ends abruptly, sending Alice down a dark path. Struggling to put the pieces of the event together, she begins to walk through her memories, grasping to what she knows, and searching for what’s lost. All at once the memories flood Alice’s mind, sending her into a Psychiatric Hospital, where she must learn to cope with grief as the life she wanted comes crashing down. Baffled by what her life has come to, one small spark of hope emerges, igniting a fight to reclaim the life that awaits her.
I Love- was performed July 16-18th, 2026 at the Augusta Conradi Studio Theatre with Black Sheep Productions Group
Songs for a New World
By Jason Robert Brown
It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice… or take a stand… or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of today, the Songs for a New World.
The first musical from Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years), this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love and the choices that we make. Brown takes audiences from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue, to meet a startling array of characters that range from a defiant young man who proclaims to be unstoppable to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams… and a soulless marriage.
Songs for a New World was performed August 8th-17th, with New Stage Theatreworks at Young Actor’s Theatre.
Performance Video available upon request.
The Grown-Ups
By Simon Henriques and Skylar Fox
The campers are all finally asleep, and the lake is getting quiet. Have a beer; make a s’more; tell a scary story. Figure out what you’re going to have to do in the morning to keep camp fun and safe without letting the kids find out about... well, you’ve seen the news. I just got a push notification – they’re getting closer.
Following a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of tomorrow when tomorrow is looking bleaker and bleaker, The Grown-Ups explores the traditions that change us, what it takes for us to change them, and how to change yourself when you’re hopelessly, tragically not prepared for this.
The Grown-Ups was performed April 24-26th with Black Sheep Productions Group at the Req Room.
Stigmata a new horror play
Written and Directed by Maddie Rainer
At an extremely competitive all-girls Catholic boarding school, all is going not-so-well…as usual. That is until a quiet, unassuming student suddenly gains prophetic abilities after saving her classmate from a medical crisis mid-class. As the word spreads around the school of her “miracle”, she attracts a cult like following, many of whom think she is saintly, or even the second coming of Jesus himself. The group continues to grow larger and expands further than the school, and those on the outside of the following find themselves in a sticky position—Do they speak out and face social execution? Or lay low and play along? I mean, what’s the worst a group of high school girls could do?
Stigmata is a horror play that ruminates on the intricacies and consequences of groupthink and blind faith. Through a dynamic female-ensemble cast, this show examines effects of religion in one of the scariest groups of people alive…teenage girls.
Performed at Florida State University on February 14th-16th, 2025.
Performance Video Available upon request.
Pierglass Park a new folk rock musical
Book and Music by Maddie Rainer and Keira Ballan
After a chain of rumors spark tension at the town's skating rink, a diverse group of seven teenage ice skaters are sent on a wilderness retreat to solve their problems. However the skaters soon realize that this park contains a far more sinister spirit than its quaint appearance leads on. An unexpected loss, vengeful visitors and their own strife are only a few of the roadblocks to escape -- will they make it out alive? Featuring an original folk rock score, Pierglass Park is a coming of age story about moving forward, changing and becoming a better person.
Performed and Workshopped at The Gateway, July 2021 and May 2021.
Script, Tracks and Performance Video available upon request.
