The Long & Winding Road

I’ve been fortunate to work in a profession that requires me to have fun and think creatively each and every day. I’ve worked with Lions and Muppets and Big Burly Hockey Players (oh my!) And often wonder what adventure could possibly be waiting for me around the next corner.

I’m often asked how I got to my current job – and my path has been a winding one.

A 2003 honors graduate of the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minn., with a degree in Mass Communications / Print Journalism (emphasis in sports writing), I was ready to take on the world. And boy oh boy, was the world waiting. My first stop: Memphis, Tenn. Land of B-B-Q and blues. I took a job at the historic Orpheum Theatre right on the corner of Main and Beale – and can honestly say my time spent there set the foundation for the rest of my career. Working in Public Relations and Promotions (putting that J-degree to use) I was 23-years-old and working hand-in-hand with the likes of Broadway giant The Lion King – bringing it into Memphis for its 6-week Mid-South debut. I was working with radio stations, television stations, bringing cast members to interviews and meet-and-greets, attending hospital and charity visits. My days were long, and my nights longer. From press releases to cast parties, I was writing and coordinating it all. And I loved every moment. Live theatre has always been a passion of mine, and this was like stepping into a Southern dream world. From glitzy 75th Anniversary Galas, to Live Auction Events to concerts like Jonny Lang and Harry Connick, Jr., to children’s productions like Bear in the Big Blue House, I was able to not only work, but experience the grandeur of all the Orpheum could throw at me.

And it was my connection with Bear in the Big Blue House that brought me back to Minnesota. That production was produced by Minneapolis-based VEE Corporation.

To be continued…