I grew up in a small town in Texas, of about 1800 people. So when I came to NYC after college, I'll admit I knew very little about the Actors' Equity Association. All I knew was that I wanted to be on stage. I soon booked my first summer stock at Candlewood Playhouse [now the Gateway Playhouse]. I began working with the wonderful Equity guest artists (including the at-the-time President Mark S. Zimmerman) that were playing all the leads that season. Of course, I was hooked on their talent and knew I had to be a member of that club.
Someone suggested that I audition for Theatreworks USA, a company that produces new and interesting theatre for young audiences. If I was chosen for one of its shows, I would be offered my Equity card for the production. I stood in line, sang my song, did my monologue and was cast in production of The Emperor's New Clothes with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Wow! I was so excited to call my family and friends and scream “I got the show, I got my Equity card!” I was so proud to be a member of that club, to be a member of Actors' Equity. I'm still proud.
