playbill vip

Voiceless is a new script for me—but it’s written by someone who has been a guiding voice in my life for years: my mentor, Shannon J. Reilly, from Topeka, Kansas. Getting the chance to direct one of his plays here at MadLab feels like the perfect collision of past, present, and "oh-my-god-I’m-moving-to-Germany."

 

When I landed in Columbus two and a half years ago from Kansas City, I honestly thought I’d have more time to explore, settle in, and get to know the city. Spoiler alert: I didn’t get to see nearly as much as I planned. (Still haven’t been to the zoo. Or the inside of COSI.) But in a short amount of time, I found something even better—people. I’ve made real friends I’ll never forget, both in the theater world and at work. And you’ve all shaped who I am today more than you probably realize.

 

James and Eric were the first people to welcome me into the Columbus theater scene, and from that point on, it felt like I blinked and suddenly I was MadLab’s Technical Director, acting in Moving In, Moving Out, Moving On, and building sets for Normies. I wasn’t planning on leaving so soon, but this show became a meaningful sendoff—a way to say goodbye, thank you, and maybe cry a little in the lighting booth when no one’s looking.

 

Normally, I’d be directing a Halloween show right now through my new company, IMP (Ivory Mazur Productions), but instead, I’m pouring everything into this final Columbus production before I hop across the ocean.

 

Thank you to this cast and crew, who gave this show their full hearts: Robyn, Preston (and Preston’s parents for being the real MVPs of rideshare), Asher, Leigh, AJ, Jacob, Logan, Scott, Madison, Mark, Payman, Joudi, Zahrohn, and Randi. You all made this something truly special.

 

To Columbus: I’m going to miss you. You made a bigger impact on me than I ever expected—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.