There are some people who would say that I talk way too much about myself, and they'd probably be right. Here's my chance now to get it all out.
I was born in Peru, Indiana in 1970. My family moved to Racine, Wisconsin when I was very young, and later to Greenfield, Wisconsin in Milwaukee where I spent my teenage years.
I was always interested in art, and spent a great deal of time drawing pictures and cartoons. I was inspired quite a bit by the animation of Don Bluth (The Secret of NIMH, Dragon's Lair). I also started playing the saxaphone in around the third grade, and played throughout high school. I loved video games (and still do!) I thought they were magical and always wondered how they worked, and spent a lot of time creating mockups for my own games. Today, I would rather create my own games than play them.
In 1990, my interest in comedy and magic began. I started with an instructional book on standup comedy by Judy Carter, and spent may Tuesday nights performing at open mic nights at the Comedy Cafe on Milwaukee's east side. My interest in sleight of hand and magic began after seeing the magic of "Sneaky" Pete Elliot at the famous Safehouse nightclub in downtown Milwaukee. I practiced hard, and later went on to win a couple of national awards for my efforts.
I moved to Upstate New York in 2001. There, I finished my degree in cosmetology and worked for several years at a little salon at the Crossgates Mall. I later went on to work at at the popular Gregory's Barbershop, where I still work on Tuesday afternoons specializing in men's hair and grooming.
I went back to school at Hudson Valley Community College where I graduated in 2008 with a degree in computer science and information systems. I started in college as a student assistant working for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, where I later was hired on permanent and promoted. I still work there today.
In early 2011 I took a role (grudgingly) in the ensemble of Carousel presented by Schenectady Light Opera.By the time the show was over, I was in love with musical theater. I took another small role in the regional premiere of Frankenstein, and ended up with the lead role when the star abruptly quit. I've done many shows since then, taking on singing and acting roles like Jesus (Godspell), Zoser (Aida), and Charles Darnay (A Tale of Two Cities).
There are so many other things. I juggle, write, design websites and computer games, draw digital art, and I study metaphysics and the occult. But I'll stop for now, for I'm sure I'll tell you much more if you meet me, as my friends all know. :)
