Did you know the story of the 442nd Regimental Unit?

I knew a bit about the actual internment, and had studied the sociopathology that led to the internment prior to the US' involvement in WWII. After signing on this production and doing some initial research, I was saddened by the numerous stories of struggle (all unwarranted) and that only pushed me further into my work to help get this story told.

Why is this part of history important to keep alive, with both adults and youth?

It's simple, really: don't pay attention and it'll happen again. No one deserves to be marginalized in a nation that prides itself on its acceptance, historically or contemporarily... Empathy. Stop talking and listen for a change. It's the only way new ideas and ideology can be learned.

What do you think is the place of the theatre arts in telling our history?

Theatre has always been a mirror of society, from the Grecian festivals of Dionysus to contemporary box office hits like "Next To Normal;" the goal has always been to display the truth onstage, whether it be a rose-tinted fantasy world or a grating harsh truth. 

If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?

An otter. Swim and galavant around all day? Eat tons of shellfish? Why aren't I an otter already?