Student Spotlight March 2015

    Tia Davis

    Tia Davis attended Horizons School, a small private school in Atlanta, Georgia where she received theatrical training from groups such as the Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, Moving in the Spirit, and Giwayen Mata.  In 2007, her high school graduating class consisted of 18 students. Following high school, Tia attended Berea College in Kentucky, earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre in 2011. After graduation, she teamed up with AmeriCorps Service to work as a Kentucky College Coach at Berea Community High School.  Tia gained acceptance into the Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts program at UofL in August of 2012.  In 2013 she had the opportunity to attend the Circle in the Square Acting Summer Intensive with two of her UofL colleagues and then went on to perform with the Kentucky Shakespeare company the following summer. In May, Tia will be graduating with an MFA in Theatre Arts.

    "Tia Davis is an incredibly well rounded theatre maker and human being. She engages her work and the world with a professional attitude, a cheerful disposition, and a deep compassion for humanity. We should all wish for collaborators like her." Erin Leigh Crites, Assistant Professor in the Theatre Arts Department

    Interview:

    What brought you to the University of Louisville?

    I was brought to the school by Nefertiti Burton, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Associate Dean of International, Diversity, and Engagement Programs.  I was in my senior year at Berea College and performing in the production of The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World by Suzan-Lori Parks. I was unsure of what I was going to do after I completed my time at Berea. Adanma Barton, Assistant Professor of theatre at Berea and director of The Last Black Man, introduced me to Nefertiti after one of our final shows and we briefly discussed the graduate Theatre Arts program and the African American Theatre Certificate offered at UofL. I was excited about the opportunities that could come out of being in the program, and a year later I participated in the on-site auditions and was offered a spot.  I am eternally grateful to Nefertiti Burton and Adanma Barton for believing in me.  Their love and support have helped push me to where I am today.

    Long term goals/ aspirations:

    In the not so distant future I want to help create and direct a theatre group for youth. I believe strongly that the arts play an important part in emotional and spiritual growth. I would like to use my energy to be an advocate for change and work with programs that provide a creative outlet for young people.

    What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience at UofL?

    My favorite part of the graduate school experience would have to be the people I have been able to meet.  I hope that the relationships I have built during my time here last. I could list names but they know who they are. To my fellow peers (undergraduate and graduate), teachers, advisors and students: I would like to say thank you. Change is a forever constant and there is no doubt that the dynamics of these relationships will change but come what may, I am grateful. Time will tell all of our stories.

    Fun Facts

    A talent you have always wanted: I've always wanted to speak at least three languages.

    Favorite book: Right now I would have to say my favorite book is An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography by Paul Rusesabagina.

    Favorite quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world”- Mahatma Gandhi

    Role Models: I have an ongoing list :)

    Favorite Vacation Destination: Nice, France with friends and family.

    If you weren't in graduate school, what would you be doing now? I would be working with a theatre ensemble traveling around the world.​