My name is McKenna, and I’m an actor and a journalist.

Through performance and writing, I strive to use my voice as a force for good: to share authentic, informative stories and to connect with people.

I found my voice at age five, waddling onstage for the first time as a penguin in a school production of Mary Poppins. The sanctity of being part of an ensemble and the thrill of escaping my comfort zone propelled me into finding my passion.

I continued to foster my passion for theatre through elementary, middle, and high school, and in 2021, I moved to New York from Los Angeles to pursue my studies in Theatre and Journalism at Fordham University. My college journey eventually took me to London, where I studied classical acting for a semester at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). I’ve had the opportunity to perform classical and heightened texts by Shakespeare, Lorca, and Brecht, but I’ve also performed in musicals and originated characters in new works.

Whether it’s a well-known piece or one that’s hot off the press, I love jumping into a rehearsal room, listening to everyone’s ideas, and coming in ready to share my own. My favorite part of rehearsing is getting to work different ideas and adapt along with the process.

I’m always moving and grooving, and when I was around twelve years old, I began taking ballet classes. Since then, I’ve loved infusing elements of movement into my work.

When I get to collaborate with other artists and perform something I’ve put my heart into, I feel fulfilled. I lead with joy because the arts bring me joy! This mentality helps me keep calm under pressure and ready to offer creative solutions in times of need.

As a journalist, writing about the theatre I see helps me understand how the theatre I make might be received by an audience. So, I always aim for clarity and connection in my performance.

I believe the arts have the power to not only liberate ourselves as theatre artists, but to reach other people; spark conversation; open hearts; and promote change, catharsis, and hope in humanity. The arts can unite us all.