About Tom

I love the pursuit of the truth when fleshing out a story on stage or on screen both with spoken word and with song. Singing has always been a means to entertain and bring joy. It is only recently that I infused that passion with the quest for substance over style. To find the story in the song. The truth in the story. Something I always did with ease in my acting.

Many opportunities have befallen me through happenstance. Including how I fell into a life of the pursuit of truth on the stage. In a workshop with Thelonious Monk, I got kicked out for being distracting. In my first snare drum class as a kid, I was asked to leave for playing after the teacher said, “The next one who hits a drum is out”.  The first high school play I attended; I completely ignored my date as I was engrossed in the world those players created. I left the theatre assured I could never do that. That was for people with real talent.

Now, after 31 years as a working professional actor, with 7 seasons at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, the West Coast premiere of D’janet Sears’ play “Harlem Duet” in the role of Canada, playing a few servants and slaves for whom service held great dignity, portraying Legendary American poet Walt Whitman, a prairie evangelist during the Dirty ’30s in Canada, debuting the Hal Prince production of “Show Boat” at The Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End for a 5-month run, I can clearly see I’m not here by accident but I was meant to be here.

My years of experience have developed an objective perspective - I don't look beyond the person in front of me because every person matters. I’ve developed an understanding of what it takes to make a connection, and how to make that work for everyone.  It’s also taught me to be flexible and easy to work with. This assures engagers I can be counted on to work toward what is needed, and what is asked of me. It’s about a collaborative environment. Bringing positive productive energy into the room. 

I have been told that people want to work with me for my heart - a genuine reflection of sincerity and honesty that I exude, allowing an emotional connection while providing an openness for exploring vulnerability. My openness, and gregarious spirit allows space for those around me to know they can reach out and be comfortable to share in a conversation, a laugh, or a song.

When you bring the “Pickett party” everybody dances.