The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was the first time I got to play a character that is Asian American. On top of that, a Korean American. I resonate with Marcy Park so much as an artist. It’s easy for us to be our worst critics. Marcy’s journey further showed me the importance of letting go and to call out my own toxic work ethic. The cultural impact of Asian Americans needing to be the model minority is a dangerous way to oppress all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Not every Asian American is in the environment or time in their life where they could let go. It’s absolutely an ongoing journey to undo something so systematic. What Marcy does is learn to dismantle that throughout her story and I think that’s beautiful. Her journey has impacted me significantly and I carry that in my artistry.

Spelling Bee Performance Reel Is Available Upon Request