Hi! I’m Krista :)
I’m a Milwaukee-based performer who recently graduated from UW Madison with degrees in Vocal Performance and Acting. I’ve been performing literally my whole life- I took my first music class at 2 months old and never stopped! I’ve always been passionate about theatre, and love every opportunity I get to dive into working on a new show or character. I’ve had so many incredible teachers that have helped me grow as an actor and musician, and I do my best to pass down that knowledge through my various teaching pursuits. When I’m not inside a theatre, I can be found journaling, drinking caramel lattes, or petting every dog I meet. My New Year’s resolution this year was to pet 100 dogs, and I currently keep a list on my phone of all the nice dogs! Scroll down on this page to see what I’m currently working on.
Upcoming/Recent Projects
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE: PAGLIACCI WITH BREW CITY OPERA
I’m hyped to return to my classical roots in the chorus of Pagliacci! Directed by Doug Clements and performed at Inspiration Studios in West Allis, this is going to be a fun one. We run from September 18-20th. Hope to see you there!
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE: LEGALLY BLONDE AT SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
Oh My God, You Guys! I’m going to be spending my summer playing Chutney in Legally Blonde, along with several other ensemble roles (including the iconic store manager who says, “Courtney, take your break!”) I’m looking forward to performing at Sunset again after a few years! The show runs from July 17- August 9th; get your tickets!
UNDERSTUDY ROLE: FIRST STAGE’S LOVEABYE DRAGON
I had the absolute time of my life working on Loveabye Dragon with First Stage! This theatre means the world to me, and getting to be in the cast of my first mainstage show there was a dream. I was the understudy for Bree Beelow on the Mom/Bad Hat/Magical track. Playing three characters was such a fun challenge- I especially adored using puppetry as the goofy, evil Bad Hat. I went on during tech week for two rehearsals, and got to work with both casts of Young Performers.
MUSIC DIRECTING: BEETLEJUICE Jr. (twice!)
Maybe if I music direct it a third time, Beetlejuice will appear! I was the MD for Beetlejuice Jr. at Sunset Playhouse and Whitman Middle School. I’ll be singing these songs in my sleep for ages!
PERFORMANCE: ALL FEELINGS GREAT AND SMALL with Kohl’s Wild Theatre
I will be touring to various elementary schools this fall to play the role of Lucy in All Feelings Great and Small, a sweet show that teaches kids about empathy. Lucy is uncertain about the addition of a new dog named Willow to her family while she is grieving the loss of her old dog. Through the power of empathy (and a magic elephant toy), Lucy and Willow learn to understand each other’s perspectives. I have to pretend to be mean to the most sweet and adorable dog puppet, which is arguably my biggest challenge yet as a performer!
PERFORMANCE: CAESURA with Kith and Kin Theatre (10/10-19, 2025)
I’m excited to return to my choral roots in Caesura, where I will be playing a choir member, as well as being the treble voice section leader. This super unique, world premiere play was written by Tim Backes, and is sure to tug at your heartstrings!
PERFORMANCE: TARTUFFE with Trout Theatre (August 2025)
I had the honor of playing Elmire in Tartuffe this summer!
PERFORMANCE: HOW TO KILL A RODENT (11/22-11/23, 2024)
I play the role of Carrie in the three person cast of the irreverent comedy, How to Kill a Rodent, directed by Marion Frank. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt show about two people who plot to murder Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog who predicts the weather on Groundhog Day.
MUSIC DIRECTING: SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK, LIVE! JR. (performances 11/22-11/24, 2024)
I had the pleasure of being the music director of John Long Middle School’s fall production of Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr.
WORLD PREMIERE: RIP- A MUSICAL COMEDY OF LIFE AND DEATH
I will be originating the roles of Chrissie Vastat and Gina DeVon in the upcoming world premiere of RIP- A Musical Comedy of Life and Death this summer! Performances run from July 17-24 at Next Act Theatre’s Performance Space. Visit rip-themusical.com for tickets!
SHORT FILM: GAMBLING HOURS
I played the supporting role of Emma in the UWM student short film, Gambling Hours by Jacob Anderson. Check out my acting reel for a scene from the film!
PERFORMANCE: BAIRD CENTER OPENING GALA WITH SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE
I will be a performer at the opening gala for Milwaukee’s new Baird Center, singing musical theatre medleys with a vocal ensemble.
TEACHING: FIRST STAGE SUMMER THEATRE ACADEMY
I’m excited to return to First Stage this summer to teach Musical Theatre classes to grades 3-4.