Hi there!
My name is Shelby Smith and I am an up and coming actress, singer, and creative who is honored to study at the esteemed University of North Carolina School of the Arts. I am currently a third year drama major, and I am beyond grateful to attend a school that has challenged me on the deepest of levels and led me to a greater sense of purpose with my art. Acting has always been a way for me to honor my faith. As I see it, parables were a means for Christ to identify with the marginalized, give meaning to suffering, and hope and direction for the lost. Stories have become an enormous sense of comfort, and they’ve helped me to navigate the darker moments of my life where I sought understanding and a shared sense of identification with my experiences. Narrative is a powerful thing, and my deepest desire is to help anyone who is experiencing suffering by reshaping their personal narrative and giving them clarity, encouragement, and freedom.
Recently, my studies have allowed me to seize many great opportunities, such as studying at Oxford University, working with Santa Cruz Shakespeare, as well as premiering as Sarah at Nashville Repertory Theatre’s production of “Ragtime”. I am now honored to say that I was recently accepted as a student intern for the Cannes International Film Festival. This is the biggest film festival in the entire world, held for two weeks in South France. This is a special opportunity that would afford me a chance at making lifelong connections with potential mentors, industry professionals, and other artists who are just as passionate as I am. It would also make for a remarkable professional transition as I head into my final year of education at UNCSA.
Attending this once in a lifetime opportunity could directly influence the trajectory of my career for years to come. Your support would not only help to make my dreams come true, but it would be an investment in something much deeper-the chance to use art to change the world. This being said, I’m not typically one to ask for help, but it would be an incredible honor to take hold of this unique endeavor. I hope that you will partner with me in making this a reality!
Thank you!