I often say that I didn’t choose writing, writing chose me. I grew up in a family of storytellers—not by profession, mind you. But they are the kind of people who will never answer “okay” or “fine” when asked how their day was. Instead, they’ll stand in the middle of the room and say something like: “Today reminded me of the Halloween I wore a real pumpkin on my head. It was the summer of ’75 and…”
My childhood home possessed hardly any technology—no computer, no cell phone, no cable. (Our TV also had a manual dial to change stations, by the way.) So, we spent our time talking and re-watching VHS movies. We’d often take turns reciting movie lines while watching family favorites like Grumpy Old Men and The Wizard of Oz. At the time, I had no idea that the perfect groundwork was being laid for a future in dramatic writing. Now, I know better.
I wrote my first play in the sixth grade, long before I ever had the opportunity to physically step inside a theater. After graduating from Boston College, I tried out many different jobs including paralegal, birthday party assistant, bank teller, and middle school teacher. During a rough spell, I found my way back to putting words on the page. And I never looked back.
I believe that art is activism. My varied life experiences have provided me with a unique opportunity to explore a variety of social issues in my work, particularly those surrounding class, gender, and mental health. I especially enjoy exploring difficult topics through a comedic lens. I hope my projects will not only entertain audiences but will spark much-needed conversation. More than anything, I believe that now, more than ever, the world could use some hope and laughter.
I’ve recently returned to the East Coast after spending five years in the San Francisco Bay Area. While there, I was lucky enough to work with talented theatre artists at Pear Theatre and Playground SF. I also enjoyed collaborating with an amazing group of local filmmakers. When I’m not writing, you can find me rewatching Parks and Rec (like, really, I have a problem), hanging out with my one-year-old son River (yes, I’m a new mom!), or hiking (and probably complaining about it).
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
TV: The Office, Parks and Rec., Mrs. Maisel, Brooklyn 99, Parks and Rec, SNL, Downton Abbey… Did I mention Parks and Rec.?
Movies: JoJo Rabbit, Thelma & Louise, E.T, Sleepwalk with Me, Short Term 12, Bridget Jones, Bridesmaids, Her, Good Will Hunting, The Truman Show, Little Miss Sunshine, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Edward Scissor Hands, Nebraska, Grumpy Old Men, La Haine, Juno, Sense and Sensibility, Birdman, Creed, The Darjeeling Limited, 500 Days of Summer, Elf, Stutterer (short film)
Books: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, The Giver, The Princess Bride, Harry Potter, A Monster Calls, Crenshaw, I’ll Give You the Sun, Lemons, See You in the Cosmos, The Fault in Our Stars, Eleanor & Park, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, All the Light We Cannot See, Hunger Games
Plays: Constellations, Water by the Spoonful, Confederates, Proof, Build
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