MY STORY
9 / Purpose
After nearly 25 years and 10’s of thousands of live events, I’ve learned a thing or two about putting on a good show.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe:
Representation matters: The best events are the ones that bring people together from all walks of life. Everyone involved should feel represented and valued. Audience, artist, organization, and staff alike. This is the only way to create truly inclusive and meaningful experiences.
Adaptability is key: The world is constantly changing, and so are the ways we consume entertainment. We need to be willing to experiment and try new things.
Sustainability is our responsibility: Just as we nurture talent and seek enjoyment in our work, we must nurture and protect the environment for future generations. Sustainable practices are integral towards our mission.
Develop a supportive and caring team: Just as I was given opportunities, I try to pay it forward and develop young talent. An event is only as strong as the team behind it.
Care and have fun! While it is often hard work, we are lucky to do it. Care about what you’re doing and enjoy!
8 / Pandemic
In March 2020, all NYC arts organizations were shut down overnight due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, my work at NYBG was able to continue. We immediately began video production, and on-site programming returned in September 2020. We were one of the first to bring performance back to visitors, and I am proud of the work we did to provide safe entertainment and support to audience and artists during this difficult time.
7 / Seeds of Growth
Accepting a full-time position as the Director of Public Programming at The New York Botanical Garden, we’ve created exhibition, cultural, and mission-driven programming that focuses on performance art and audience engagement.
6 / TiL Productions
From creative concept to production execution, we've got you covered. We've provided gig employment to over 100 individuals and ensured the success of dozens of events.
5 / Truth in Lies
My personal creative outlet. We blended imaginative nightlife, original storytelling, and fearless gaming into unique environments to create one-of-a-kind experiences for party-goers. Truth in Lies was ambitious, and we sometimes missed the mark, but our parties were always infamous!
4 / If You Can Make it There
After finishing an apprenticeship at NY Stage and Film, I moved to NYC to pursue my passion for directing. I quickly landed a few gigs, which turned into more and more work. Soon, I was working full-time, part-time, and freelance, all year round. I was made for the city that never slept, and I felt like I belonged there immediately.
3 / Education
I maintained a focus on my work throughout the early-to-mid aughts, even as I bounced between five different universities and a dozen majors. I ultimately received a B.A. in Theatre Arts, but my best education came from the experience of acting, often rehearsing for several different shows at once in theaters all over Connecticut.
2 / The Work Begins
My career in events began as a high school intern at the Charles Ives Concert Park. I quickly learned the ropes and began freelancing at every opportunity. I didn't mind the long hours, the makeshift safety equipment, or even working in the pouring rain. In fact, I loved the excitement of working behind the scenes of a concert. There was nothing better than the feeling of the doors opening and the band hitting the stage!
1 / Beginnings
I was born into a blue-collar family in rural Connecticut, and music was always a part of my life. I could sing along to popular melodies before I could even form words. My parents always had the record player on, and I grew up listening to Billy Joel, The Beach Boys, The Temptations, and Madonna. I always chased the song but could never imagine that I would one day have the opportunity to work with these artists.
Photography By
Ben Hider / Ben Hider Images
Marlon Co / Marlon Co Photography
Juan Batista / by Papi Juan Photography
Maria Perez / Maria Perez Photography
Iris Garcia
Videography by
Kaitlin Tyler
Marlo Co / Marlon Co Photography
Maria Perez / Maria Perez Photography
CONTACT ME
Interested in collaborating or receiving a consultation? I’d love to hear from you. Please hit the button below to contact me or reach out via social.