When I first got sick, I was fearful that my theatre career was over for good. But with the help of my amazing doctors, medication, cane, and service dog, we’ve created a management care plan that empowers me to continue doing what I love safely and effectively.

With creativity and an open mind,

my future in theatre looks more exciting than ever!

Confident. Comfortable. Creative.

  • TL;DR

    Pre-pandemic I was an able-bodied advanced dancer. Now, I have a number of chronic illnesses that have left me living with invisible dynamic disability.

    Invisible meaning I don’t “look” disabled.

    Dynamic meaning my symptoms cause varying levels of disability depending on the day.

    If Ali Stroker’s example has taught me anything,

    it’s that I AM STILL A DANCER!

  • Accessibility breeds creativity.

    I have a fantastic service dog and occasionally use a cane when I walk, but when I am seen without either of those aids I still pass as able-bodied. I want to make sure that I am presenting myself and my disabilities in a way that is honest and so confident, comfortable and creative that those who eave this page feeling confident, comfortable, and creative too.

    My accessibility tools allow me to bring my most creative self to the table, studio, and stage!

  • Collaborative.

    I know the industry (and world) can be ableist and uniformed about disability as a whole. I know it can be difficult at times to figure out how to ask what you want to ask, especially for those who’ve worked with me before. The beautiful thing about theatre and dance is that it’s COLLABORATIVE!

    I’d guess I’ve worked with my cane much longer than you’ve choreographed on someone who uses a cane (and I don’t mean a Fosse cane, though Fosse is one of my favorite styles).

    So if you’ve made it this far, why not reach out? Let’s get collaborating!

Meet Tilly!

Tilly has been training for over two years to be my task-trained service dog.

Her tasks include:

Nerve Stimulation

Retrieval

Pressure Therapy

Medical Interruption