Nice to meet you!
My name is Ethan, and I’m from Blairsburg, Iowa. With only about 175 residents (you read that right) it’s barely even a town, and it lies in the heart of the Midwest. Growing up, my dreams were always bigger than that little place I love.
So, I followed them!
It continues to be an amazing journey, and I’m happy I get to share it…
Go Hawks!
After graduating high school and leaving Blairsburg, I joined the Theatre department at the University of Iowa. My love for acting deepened, and in 2016 I acquired my Bachelor’s degree. More importantly, it was in Iowa City where I met Alex, the incredible woman who (after a long journey, you’ll find out) would become my wife!
Alex and I still try to get to home football games when we can, and at the very least always watch the Hawks play against Iowa State.
Stella Adler
In 2019, I decided I wanted to build and sharpen my craft even more. So, Alex and I drove to Chicago where I auditioned at the URTAs. Stella Adler was one of the schools to offer me a callback at their location in New York City, and I knew I had to take the shot to be there in person. As luck would have it, on my birthday I was accepted into their 3-year Day Conservatory, the apex of their training programs. Little did all of us know that COVID was right around the corner.
The Studio took every precaution to keep us in the classroom. Weekly COVID tests, masks always, maintaining 6-feet distance…and it worked! Three years later, we find ourselves with diplomas in hand. Three years of some of the most intense, informative, and innovative training we’ve all had. With some of the best friends and teachers I’ve ever had, there’s only one single thing about it I wouldn’t ever want to do again: a long-distance engagement.
Wedding Bells
The February before Stella, Alex and I got engaged in Colorado. We made a plan that she would stay in Iowa with our pups, Bodie and Anya, while I was away during the school year. Sure, we were able to see each other throughout the school year, but that distance for that extended period of time was an indescribable beast.
But finally, after three LONG years of FaceTime dates, late-night phone calls, and countless flights, we took ourselves and our closest friends and family to Breckenridge, and got married at the top of the mountains.
Next Steps
After Stella and the wedding, I moved back to Iowa to be with Alex, Bodie, and Anya. The majority of my acting time since has been spent doing shows with Iowa Stage Theatre Company, a group I’ve been performing with for almost a decade now. In Fall of 2025, I was honored to be voted in as a member of their Resident Artist Company.
As for what’s next, Alex and I decided to take a big swing and head to warmer weather. This summer, we plan on heading south to Atlanta! I’ll be taking a stab at the booming film and TV industry there, and Alex will work remotely for the dance studio she’s been a part of here for the majority of her life. A brand new environment is always a little scary and of course we’re sad to be leaving family and friends, but we can’t wait to see what’s in store for us!
