Uplifting the next generation of theatre kids

Ensemble of performers in green shirts and beanies singing on a stage under purple lighting

As a director,

Catherine strives to create supportive, high-energy spaces for the developing minds onstage, backstage, and in the audience.

Whether a performer’s first or ninety-first production, Catherine hopes each cast member bows with a fierce intention to be a lifelong steward of the arts.

Group of children and an adult posing in a school gym in front of a colorful balloon display and a whiteboard listing Viewpoints.

As a teaching artist,

Catherine has led classes in Shakespeare, Audition Techniques, Monologues, Scene Study, Viewpoints Movement, Devised Performance, and Websites for Artists.

In addition to small group workshops, Catherine has headlined interactive school assemblies in the Jump with Jill Live Tour, getting an entire student body up on their feet and dancing (and then back to seated and listening) within seconds.

Catherine knows how special and life-giving theatre can be. She takes extra care to make sure every young artist feels seen, heard, and respected exactly as they are.

Directing

Production Photos

Director, Be More Chill Stagedoor Manor — Director, Be More Chill
Stagedoor Manor

Director, Fame The Musical Stagedoor Manor — Director, Fame The Musical
Stagedoor Manor

Director, Finding Nemo, Jr. North Allegheny Middle Schools — Director, Finding Nemo, Jr.
North Allegheny Middle Schools

Director, The Heavy Gait of Night World Premiere Workshop Production by Jeffrey Chips Steel City Shakespeare Center Photo by Cat Aceto — Director, The Heavy Gait of Night
World Premiere Workshop Production by Jeffrey Chips
Steel City Shakespeare Center
Photo by Cat Aceto

Teaching Artist Act One Summer Camp — Teaching Artist
Act One Summer Camp

Director, Newsies, Jr. North Allegheny Middle Schools — Director, Newsies, Jr.
North Allegheny Middle Schools

Assistant Director, The Spongebob Musical North Allegheny High School Directed by David Schmiech — Assistant Director, The Spongebob Musical
North Allegheny High School
Directed by David Schmiech

Teaching Artist, Quantum Theatre Participating schools gather to share their devised performance pieces on Education Day — Teaching Artist, Quantum Theatre
Participating schools gather to share their devised performance pieces on Education Day

Director, Scene from Winter Break by Joe Calarco Act One Summer Camp — Director, Scene from Winter Break by Joe Calarco
Act One Summer Camp

Teaching Artist, Steel City Shakespeare Center Summer Camp Scene from Twelfth Night — Teaching Artist, Steel City Shakespeare Center Summer Camp
Scene from Twelfth Night

Teaching Artist, Quantum Theatre High school students in progress devising their own performance piece — Teaching Artist, Quantum Theatre
High school students in progress devising their own performance piece

The why…

Catherine believes live performance holds a rare and vital power to create human connection. She is dedicated to helping young artists discover their own superpowers.

An actor first, Catherine thrives in high-energy, athletic productions that embrace physical comedy. She holds dual degrees in Public Health and Dramatic Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill.

check out acting resume

Woman in costume speaking to a large group of elementary school children in a gymnasium

Woman seated on a theater stage beside a chair, microphones, potted plants, and papers.

Smiling woman holding a handwritten whiteboard in front of an Act One Theatre School backdrop.