Support Jean Christian Barry's MFA Journey in Scotland

Hello!

My name is Jean Christian Barry. I'd like to start by saying thank you for being at all interested in helping me achieve this academic goal of mine.

Many people viewing this know me from very different times of my life; some from school choirs/orchestra/science clubs/sports teams, some from undergrad at East Carolina University, some from working at summer camps and NC Governor's School East, or summer stock, or off-Broadway goofing off. I have met some of you in church, or in Broadway wardrobe fittings/rehearsals. I met some of the coolest and most original people working together at grocery stores, pools, restaurants, and retail. At this point in my life, it means so much that so many people have believed in me that I can do the things that I love. I have always loved to sing. I have always loved the game of make believe. I have always loved to read, and watch, and listen, and learn, and discuss.

I am so excited to announce that I have been offered a spot at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts in Classical and Contemporary Texts with a focus on Acting. This school and degree have been on my mind since I was reading an Actor Prepares in Morrison Grove while working at The Lost Colony. My curiosity about the history and capabilities of theatre, storytelling and words is the heartstring of who I am. This is even more exciting for a person who, in spite of their curious nature, has not had the chance to leave this country since high school.

In Glasgow AND London, I will get to study and perform Chekhov, Greek Plays, Shakespeare (literally at his Globe for some time), Classics (Wilson, Williams, Hansberry), devised and contemporary works (I have some ideas ). I will also get film training and experience. I will be a part of a cohort of actors that will spend 16 months in the U.K. analyzing the artists we are, examining the artistic landscape we come from/are moving in to, and deciding how to be the artists we would like to be.

This experience doesn't come particularly cheap for me. I have received some scholarship from the school, and am doing my best to cover the remainder with savings and federal aid. If you know me closely, you know how hard I work to make ends meet for myself, to survive. I am asking for help because the Estimated Cost of Attendance for this course is $97,748.00 USD. Additionally, the aid disbursement does not begin until (hopefully) October 2nd.

The real need here is help with housing and travel to get started. I have purchased my plane ticket, and rented an AirBnB to stay in until October 5th. I now need to find long-term housing and that requires deposits and other fees when doing so internationally. I will also need to eat for that first month. I am trying to find legitimate, and safe housing as a Black, Queer, Neurodivergent person who has a hard time blending in and will be very busy.

Wow, I just wrote a lot about myself and that feels very awkward. This degree, and this adventure, has been something I have been working towards for years. I didn't get here alone, and I can't do it alone now. Thank you for whatever share or donation you can give. This is the sweetest birthday gift you could give me this year!