In her professional debut, she originated the lead role of 'Lisa' in the world premiere of Rebecca Gilman's play, "The Glory of Living" at Chicago's critically acclaimed Circle Theatre. She was awarded Chicago's most prestigious acting award, the Joseph Jefferson Citation, for her performance as an abused teenager turned serial killer. The production topped critics' lists for the year, and the play went on to be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
She was awarded the 1997 Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for Actress in a Principal Role in a Play for "The Glory of Living" at the Circle Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
