Sydney K Banks
'19
I have learned here that as long as you are dedicated and persistent in your art, there is nothing that you can't make happen and that the school won't help you to achieve.
I came to UArts because I felt as though this was the place I could come to be myself and embark upon my craft. UArts has allowed me to make gateways for myself and defy against the social constructs of society. Being not only a woman but a woman of color, in the theatre community/world can be a struggle. People of color are often cast in roles were we are playing stereotypical characters or characters that have just been added for background support and here at UArts I have been fortunate enough to help break through those barriers in musicals and new works of art.
Here at UArts there is a very supportive atmosphere in the Ira Brind Theatre school. I have learned here that as long as you are dedicated and persistent in your art, there is nothing that you can't make happen and that the school won't help you to achieve.
I am honored and grateful to say that the school has provided a lot of opportunities for me, even outside of the university. You are able to meet, connect and network with other talented people who are ready to tell stories and create meaningful works of art. You are able to collaborate with so many other artists infields on opposite spectrums and build together.
I also was drawn here because the program isn't a competition, it's supportive. I was able to express myself in any way regardless of whether it seemed totally ridiculous. I felt that I was able to fail with permission, and succeed, always wanting to improve.