Hello my name is Jordan Walker.  I am a Sophomore Theatre Arts major at Florida State University. I have an amazing opportunity to study abroad at the Theatre Academy London, which will take place from June 8, 2023 through July 5, 2023.

Growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood there was no exposure or emphasis on pursuing the arts as a serious career. This observation was further confirmed when I realized that I didn’t know anyone who had been successful in this industry, however, I knew that in my heart my destiny was for an atypical career path.

Despite the odds stacked against me due to being raised by a single parent , I persevered and began college at Florida State University. Majoring in Theatre has only broadened where I can see myself as a performer and how I can achieve my goals. As a sophomore, I have been part of 2 student films and casted in a mainstage production titled Bulrusher within FSU’s School of Theatre.

The Theatre Academy London (TAL) is a theater training program that will enable me to travel and study with some of London’s foremost theater artists, while earning major academic credit for my degree. It will also provide the opportunity to ensure that I am adaptable to different cultural ways of living, learning theater in a safe environment, and exposed to unfamiliar techniques. I will learn more about myself as an actor, while improving my fundamentals, with healthy, constructive criticism. This is impactful to my journey because not many young Black women growing up as I have, can picture themselves in career fields that are predominately White. I believe that representation matters, and this opportunity is bigger than me. This experience will be a major milestone on the journey to the long career I plan to have as an actor.

I am asking for your support to assist me in meeting my goal of $8,000, which will cover my tuition, travel, and expenses for this experience.  Thank you so much for your consideration!