Support Dru's Journey to the Midsummer at Oxford Program

Hi everyone!

Thank you for taking the time to read this bio, it means a great deal to me! My name is Dru Sky Berrian! I am an Atlanta-born, ensemble-based artist, with an emphasis on movement and its integrality to storytelling. Since the first time I stepped foot in a black box, theater has always been my translator. A way to interpret the world around me and to foster catharsis both within and without.

My education allowed me to study both the past and the present, to learn the multitude of ways that theater can change and adapt to the times. My philosophy is teaching empathy and using theater as a vehicle for necessary disruption. I have had the privilege of not only practicing this artform, but of imparting it upon others. Here are some highlights of my career so far:

note: I will be playing as Marie in Jaja’s African Hairbraiding at Speakeasy Stage Company in May!

CREDITS:

Miranda Family Fellowship Alumni

Fulbright 2024/25 Semi-finalist

Eugene O’Neill Summer Intensive (Acting Track)

LINK TV/Film’22

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Presidential Scholarship

I would be remiss to pretend I’ve always known these opportunities to be possible. There was a time when I was uncertain of whether this career was for me. I know too well the toll finance can take on opportunity. Far too often, I saw both my peers and myself give up opportunities due to cost- or even worse, fall into debt in pursuit of our dreams. So here I am asking for help, which is an admittedly terrifying thing for me to do.

The Midsummer at Oxford Program is a month-long acting intensive based in Magdalen College at the University of Oxford. Classes include Shakespeare, Movement, and Voice, with masterclasses from the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart and Brian Cox. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, one that unfortunately was never realized during my time at the Conservatory. Now that I have the opportunity, I find myself on the brink of being unable to fulfill this dream.

I am currently seeking aid in funding the cost of tuition, room & board, and travel. This cost amounts to around $8,000. I was fortunate to be rewarded a scholarship, but at the moment, I am still in need of assistance.

Travelling to Oxford could afford me the connections necessary to the development of my upcoming projects. Developing relationships with faculty at Oxford could mean securing affiliations to strengthen my Fulbright 2025/26 research project applications and building relationships with local theaters would enable me to launch ArtsXchange, an organization dedicated to cultural exchange in the arts. In addition to this, it would give me the chance to deepen my knowledge of UK theater practices and join a network of widely successful alumni such as Russel Hornsby, Chadwick Boseman, and many others who are changing the landscape of theater.

I am so excited to be able to pursue this amazing opportunity and I appreciate anything you can give. And if you so choose, I’d like to send a personalized thank you to each and every one of you who donates.