When I chose to study at the Guildford School of Acting in the UK, I knew I was stepping into something completely unfamiliar. Being an international drama student has been an extraordinary journey, filled with growth, reflection, and plenty of challenges that have shaped not just my craft, but my entire perspective on life and art.
One of the absolute highlights of my time abroad has been the chance to witness and participate in world-class theatre. Living in the UK has opened doors to legendary venues like Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, and the West End. I’ve seen powerful, inspiring performances at a fraction of what it would cost to see something similar in New York, each show setting a high bar that I now strive to meet in my own work. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to perform in productions of Pericles and Jane Eyre with my school, diving into classical and literary texts that have pushed me to new heights as a performer. And, of course, performing a passion play about the life of Christ in Trafalgar Square was surreal—sharing that story in such a historic and public space is a memory I’ll carry with me for a long time. Every one of these experiences has fueled my love for theatre and inspired me to push forward in my career.
Coming from a close-knit Black community in Atlanta, GA, I grew up with a strong sense of identity and pride, firmly rooted in my heritage. Moving abroad meant leaving that familiar environment behind to step into a totally new cultural landscape. As one of the very few Black students—and the only one in my class—I’ve sometimes felt like a “token.” But, this experience has also given me a rare chance to connect with others from all corners of the world and many marginalized backgrounds, each of us bringing our own unique stories and perspectives to the table. These friendships have deepened my empathy, expanded my worldview, and enriched my craft as an actor in ways I never expected. This distance from home has also made me appreciate the traditions and nuances of African-American culture even more deeply, seeing how it is both unique and connected to the larger African diaspora.
My time in the UK has also shaped my artistic vision. It’s shown me that my purpose in theatre is larger than myself. I’ve become even more passionate about using art to inspire change and bring new perspectives to the stage. My dream now is to create a traveling theatre company that reimagines classics, devises new works, and amplifies underrepresented voices. The diversity and imagination in the UK theatre scene have been transformative; it’s bold, innovative, and often unafraid to confront difficult topics. Taking what I’ve learned here back to my community, I want to create art that’s accessible, that challenges and that brings meaningful representation to the stage.
This journey has been one of self-discovery and profound professional growth. Each day brings something new—whether it’s learning a new acting technique, adapting to British customs, or just embracing the unique and often humbling experience of being an international student. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been a stepping stone, shaping me into a stronger actor, artist, and person. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that real growth often lies just beyond the edge of our comfort zones. As I continue on this path, I can’t wait to see where these experiences will lead and how they will inspire my work in the years to come.
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