Ginger is a native Michigan girl, originally from Grand Rapids, where she got
her start in theatre and the “business side of things” at age six. By age
nine, she was petitioning to join her local boy scout chapter, running a
profitable childcare business and performing in every hospital, nursing
home, and tulip festival in all of West Michigan, both solo and with her
dance studio. (At one of these gigs she was “discovered” by a talent scout
from Star Search and went on to win the “Jr. Vocalist” title for the state of
Michigan.)
Her first professional gig was playing the role of Molly in Annie (starring The
Facts of Life’s Charlotte Rae, dir. Richard Sabellico) at the Cherry County
Playhouse in West Michigan, where she realized she wanted nothing more
than to do “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” choreography the
rest of her life. Literally. She still does it.
Since her professional debut she has had the privilege of sharing the stage
with household names such as Theodore Bikel, Sandy Duncan, Estelle
Harris (Seinfeld), Peter Scolari, and Eddie Mekka, as well as collaborating
with wonderful and esteemed directors and choreographers in the
business.
Ginger is a graduate of Hope College (Magna Cum Laude, B.A.’s in Spanish
and Women’s Studies), in Holland, Michigan, where she was blessed to study
and nurture her faith in a liberal arts environment, and where she was only
chastised in chapel once – for placing John Kerry bumper stickers on the
conservative faculty members’ cars during election season. Her politically
active roots have carried her to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and
Mexico, as well, where she has taken courses and done activist work with
women in living in poverty. She moved to New York immediately following
school and was surprised to find that her Spanish is also great for getting
discounts at the local deli and that restaurants here, unlike Michigan, are
open on Sundays. When not performing, she is a private ESL/TOEFL exam
tutor and a regular at the Olympic Diner (usually on Sundays).
FAQ's
What do you do?
On a regular basis, I have been known to wake up really early to wait in
lines to sing or dance for 30 seconds. It’s actually pretty fun, when you
think about it!
What do you “bring to the table” when working on a project or production?
I am a giver, which I get from both parents. I love to give all of my
energy, spirit, and a positive attitude, even if it means moving the living
room furniture to run choreography at night. I take care of my fellow
cast/crew-family and do anything to be a problem-solver. That and I make
a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies!
What is your pride and joy in life?
In all seriousness: Family. Community. Faith. My niece and nephew.
Who would you love to meet?
Larry David. The late Gilda Radner, if that were possible. A chivalrous
gentleman would be great too!
Why do you do what you do?
Why did I choose this career? I didn’t. It chose me!
her start in theatre and the “business side of things” at age six. By age
nine, she was petitioning to join her local boy scout chapter, running a
profitable childcare business and performing in every hospital, nursing
home, and tulip festival in all of West Michigan, both solo and with her
dance studio. (At one of these gigs she was “discovered” by a talent scout
from Star Search and went on to win the “Jr. Vocalist” title for the state of
Michigan.)
Her first professional gig was playing the role of Molly in Annie (starring The
Facts of Life’s Charlotte Rae, dir. Richard Sabellico) at the Cherry County
Playhouse in West Michigan, where she realized she wanted nothing more
than to do “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” choreography the
rest of her life. Literally. She still does it.
Since her professional debut she has had the privilege of sharing the stage
with household names such as Theodore Bikel, Sandy Duncan, Estelle
Harris (Seinfeld), Peter Scolari, and Eddie Mekka, as well as collaborating
with wonderful and esteemed directors and choreographers in the
business.
Ginger is a graduate of Hope College (Magna Cum Laude, B.A.’s in Spanish
and Women’s Studies), in Holland, Michigan, where she was blessed to study
and nurture her faith in a liberal arts environment, and where she was only
chastised in chapel once – for placing John Kerry bumper stickers on the
conservative faculty members’ cars during election season. Her politically
active roots have carried her to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and
Mexico, as well, where she has taken courses and done activist work with
women in living in poverty. She moved to New York immediately following
school and was surprised to find that her Spanish is also great for getting
discounts at the local deli and that restaurants here, unlike Michigan, are
open on Sundays. When not performing, she is a private ESL/TOEFL exam
tutor and a regular at the Olympic Diner (usually on Sundays).
FAQ's
What do you do?
On a regular basis, I have been known to wake up really early to wait in
lines to sing or dance for 30 seconds. It’s actually pretty fun, when you
think about it!
What do you “bring to the table” when working on a project or production?
I am a giver, which I get from both parents. I love to give all of my
energy, spirit, and a positive attitude, even if it means moving the living
room furniture to run choreography at night. I take care of my fellow
cast/crew-family and do anything to be a problem-solver. That and I make
a mean batch of chocolate chip cookies!
What is your pride and joy in life?
In all seriousness: Family. Community. Faith. My niece and nephew.
Who would you love to meet?
Larry David. The late Gilda Radner, if that were possible. A chivalrous
gentleman would be great too!
Why do you do what you do?
Why did I choose this career? I didn’t. It chose me!
