My first performance of Rent, in the form of the number "La Vie Boheme" in 2002, consisted of me learning the words and music approximately two hours before the actual show. I'd never performed anything like Rent before -- but it's realistic effect, brilliant score, and sometimes crude but always impacting lyrics are really responsible for my change from classical musical theater to more contemporary incorporations -- the rock singer in my heart made one of his first appearances! Rent is a beautiful piece of art; and besides that, it is cool -- there is simply no other word for it. It is unique to every aspect of the theater, and my many experiences with Rent over the years have shaped my identity not only as a singer and an actor, but as a person as well. My admiration for Jonathon Larson is unsurpassed -- it is he that inspired me both to write my own music, and attempt to live my life to the very fullest.