Steel Magnolias

Oh, the legendary cast of Steel Magnolias (Jukebox Theatre, Wheaton, IL). Here's me playing Shelby, surrounded by my lovely costars.

LoTF

These are shots from last year's production of Lord of the Flies. (Wheaton College) My friend Todd wrote the script, co-directed, and starred in the show. I just felt lucky to be a part of it! The show was awesome: So raw and earthy. By the end of the show we were all covered in red and green paint (blood and mud). I got to play Neric. (one of the twins: Sam and Eric, who turn into Samneric- part of Golding's dehumanization theme) My twin was played by my good friend, Tim (we developed this weird/ awesome twin bond, and I seriously miss him.)

Is that me?? In a . . . wedding dress??

I got my feet wet in the world of bridal modeling! The photo shoot was back in October, I think. It was so much fun, too. I got to try on all of these gorgeous dresses, have my hair and makeup done by pros, and spend the day at the Tutweiler Hotel downtown. Neat-O. Check out the January issue of Portico. . . the new joke in my family is "Well, everybody get a copy now because this may be the only time we'll ever see MC in a wedding dress!"

We've been Scrooged.

Here's a of my last show . . . Scrooge, the Musical! These are two of my costars: Jane and Caroline : )

the first page of a brand new notebook . . .

I've always loved new notebooks. There's something about the unblemished pages, lack of dog-eared corners, stray pencil smudges or coffee stains that thrills my soul and frankly, makes me a little goofy. I love writing and doodling and dreaming . . . At the same time, though, there's always something intimidating about that first blank page. In fact, I consider the first page of a brand new notebook to be one of the most daunting things in life. There's something unsettling about marring that first pristine sheet.

I'm Mary-Claire. If I could change my name, I would change it to either "Merry-Claire" . . . or Stella.

I refuse to grow up.

Welcome to Neverland.

My dad always told me that his greatest wish for me was that I would love my work. And I can say, without batting an eyelash, that I positively do. I love love love my work. I am an actor, and I am blessed enough to get paid to do what I love more than anything. I wouldn't really even call it "work," because for me it's really more like play. . . all day, every day. Sure it's hard sometimes, and sometimes I have trouble making ends meet (I've been known to scrounge around for dimes under random coke machines) . . . but I LOVE what I do. I still can't believe I get paid for this!

This blog will chronicle my life as an actor, as an artist, as a daydream believer.
I just actually pawned off my digital camera to pay my bills . . . So I'll try to include as many pictures as possible, relying on the goodness of others. Geez my life is funny. Hold onto your hats!