What was your first job as a journalist?
High school newspaper, college features editor and general assignment reporter, Fresno Bee general assignment/features, music/theatre critic.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
We shape news to our world view through social media, which can be dangerous. Knowing all sides and perspectives is important.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
John Jonah Jameson, Jr.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To find the truth and share with readers.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
- it's usually sarcastic
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Present a good angle
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Laptop, phone, Twitter, Facebook
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook for family, Twitter for everything else
Who do you wish followed you?
Soledad O'Brien because she's amazing. Lin Manuel Miranda because he's incredible.
Why did you become a journalist?
To write, to see the news unfold, and now to tell stories of people who engage in the theatre world.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. Sports reporter and editor/sports columnist
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Speaking with multiple artists who have starred on Broadway.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Write anything, cover everything you can. Get that experience early in your career, and then shape it to what you want your life work to be.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Most things from Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Incredible artists there who are so insightful, always make for a good feature.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Can you do this story on this person who's in a play? It would help us out and we'd appreciate it.
What's your favorite drink?
Zevia
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
A play or a sporting event.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times, Washington Post, The Athletic Bay Area
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's extremely diverse.
