I began performing solo work in 1972 and have continued working in both solo and ensemble performance for more than five decades.
My work has included classical theatre, new plays, historical drama, devised performance, film, touring productions, and long-form solo work. I’m especially drawn to language, research, direct connection with audiences, and the physical and emotional work of inhabiting people whose lives are shaped by history, memory, conscience, and power.
Featured Performance Work
HERETIC: The Mary Dyer Story
Mary Dyer · 2011–2019
I performed Mary Dyer for nearly a decade, continuing to revise and deepen the work as I learned more about her life, Quaker history, religious persecution, and the consequences of conscience.
Shakespeare’s Will
Anne Hathaway · Theatre 40, Beverly Hills · 2007
Vern Thiessen’s solo play was one of the most demanding solo roles I’ve taken on, and one of the most rewarding. The production was presented at Theatre 40 and produced by Leonard Nimoy.
A Single Woman
Jeannette Rankin · 2004 onward
I originated the role of Jeannette Rankin in my play about the first woman elected to the United States Congress. The production opened at the Oats Park Arts Center in Fallon, Nevada, later played Off-Broadway at The Culture Project, and continued through hundreds of performances in the United States and abroad.
Selected Past Work
Solo & Touring
1972 onward
Solo performance has been part of my artistic life since 1972.
2011–2019
HERETIC: The Mary Dyer Story · Mary Dyer
2009–2010
Coming In Hot · multiple roles
2004 onward
A Single Woman · Jeannette Rankin
Oats Park Arts Center · The Culture Project · touring
Selected Stage Work
2008
The Color of Rose · Rose Kennedy
Theatre 40, Beverly Hills · directed by Ann Hearn
2007
Shakespeare’s Will · Anne Hathaway
Theatre 40, Beverly Hills
2003
Amigas · Marjorie Agosín
Nevada Museum of Art
2003
The Road to Mecca · Elsa
directed by Zakes Mokae
2001
Romeo and Juliet · Lady Capulet
Nevada Shakespeare Company · directed by David Ellenstein
2000
Macbeth · Lady Macbeth
Piper’s Opera House, Virginia City, Nevada
Film & Audio
2006
A Single Woman · feature film
Writer · Actor · Executive Producer
I adapted my stage play about Jeannette Rankin for film and played Rankin opposite Judd Nelson. The film also features Peter Coyote, Karen Black, Frances Fisher, Mimi Kennedy, Elizabeth Peña, Margot Kidder, narration by Patricia Arquette, and music by Joni Mitchell.
2005
La Noche Antes de Navidad
KUNR-FM, Reno
My earlier career also includes classical theatre, musical theatre, devised performance, regional work, teaching residencies, and community-based productions throughout the western United States.