LE: When did you first become interested in theatre? What initially caught your attention?

JC: I was interested in theatre before I had seen a production. From as far back as I can remember I wanted to be involved with it. When I was about 12 years old, I checked scripts out of the library in my hometown and made my younger sister read them with me. I can’t explain where that interest came from.

LE: What turns you on about theatre? What is your favorite part?

JC: One of the great things about theatre is that you can be involved in so many different worlds and help create those worlds. The other thing I like the best is that theatre is such a collaborative art form. It offers individuals with different interests and abilities and the opportunity to work together as a team and create magic.

LE: What is your past experience with theatre, like schooling, performances, how many years you have been involved, etc.

JC: I’ve been involved in over 275 productions as costume designer, director, actor or playwright. Come to think of it, I’ve also done props and set decoration. I got my undergraduate degree at ISU and was involved in theatre then as well.

LE: What have been your influences in the past and present, and have they changed much over the years?

JC: One of the big influences in terms of theatre was Frank Brandt, who was a professor at Iowa State when I was an undergraduate here. He taught me a great deal about theatre itself, but I think the most important single thing he taught me was the importance of giving your all to whatever it was you did-down to the smallest detail. He made that belief clear occasionally in words, but most often in his own actions. He always kept pushing forward.

LE: Who is your favorite screenwriter/director/actor?

JC: This is tough because there are so many. Anyone who contributed to a moment when I have been sitting in the theater and just felt transported is a favorite. I think that is one reason we go to the theatre – to feel taken out of ourselves and at the same time a part of what has gone before us and is yet to come. Those moments are rare, but when they happen, I feel grateful to anyone who has been involved.

LE: What hobbies do you have, and what do you do in your free time?

JC: I go to the theatre, concerts, dance events, read and travel.

LE: You wrote a biographical script recently about Barbara McClintock. What initially got you interested in writing?

JC: Originally I was asked to write a script and then I found it so wonderfully exciting that I wanted to try it again.

LE: What do you like to write about the most?

JC: Individuals who faced important obstacles and struggled to overcome them.

LE: Do you prefer being a director, an actress, or a writer?

JC: Again, it’s too hard to say. I know this is the classic answer, but it happens to be true – whatever I am doing at the time.

LE: The first weekend of “Crimes of the Heart” just ended. How was your experience with that play?

JC: This was a very positive and exciting experience because of the level of commitment and the ability of the cast. Without that, directing is much more difficult. Each one of them – Kelly Bartlett, Carol Hoffman, Dennis Thompson, Megan Helmers, Melissa Larsen and Scott Morehead – came prepared to work and cooperate.

LE: What project will be your next conquest?

JC: The next project is one I have been involved in for almost two years. I’ve spent that time interviewing 11 Iowa men and one Iowa woman who served in World War II. Their stories will become an ISU Theatre production titled “Heroes Among Us.” It will be directed by Patrick Gouran and will open on Dec. 7 in Fisher Theatre. It has been a real privilege to get to know these individuals. They did their duty and served their country. We stand on their shoulders today.

LE: If there is anything else you would like to add about your past, present, or future, please feel free to say it now.

JC: I’d like to ask that the university community support ISU Theatre. I am very proud of our work and believe that theatre can enrich our lives. So, to everybody out there, come see a show!