North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumna Corin Davis ‘23, a professional theatre graduate and Greensboro, North Carolina native, is pursuing her passion for acting in Southend-on-Sea, England.
Davis is enrolled in the University of Ess*x’s East 15 Acting School, where she is working toward an MFA in digital media. The year-and-a-half-long program offers immersive training in motion and performance capture, screen acting and voiceover work.
Davis’ dedicated preparation, including four months of intense training with her acting mentor, Donald Elise Watkins, made her acceptance into East 15 Acting School possible. During this period, she memorized six different monologues, an effort that played a role in securing her place in the program. Ranked fourth for drama in the 2024 Guardian University Guide, East 15 is known for its combination of technical training and creative exploration. Among its notable alumni is Daniel Ezra, best known for his role as Spencer James in the sports drama series “All American.”
“It’s always been a dream of mine to study in England and experience a different culture, and now I can finally call it a reality,” said Davis. “Being in this space is helping me understand a broader idea of the industry I aim to work in.”
Davis credits her time at N.C. A&T for preparing her to excel in graduate school. The university’s emphasis on adaptability, discipline and a strong work ethic laid the foundation for her success abroad.
“My professors in the theatre program taught me the importance of working for what I want, especially in acting, which is one of the toughest professions where you are essentially the product you’re marketing,” she said.
While Davis describes her time at the University of Ess*x as transformative, she acknowledges the challenges of adjusting to life abroad. “The most difficult aspect has been adapting to a new cultural environment while balancing the rigorous demands of the program,” she said. “It’s a constant learning process, but it’s pushing me to grow as an artist and individual.”
Since starting her MFA program, Davis has achieved significant milestones, including completing her first motion capture project for the popular video game “The Last of Us,” and contributing to voiceover sessions for student-led productions. She has also trained under screen acting professor Steve North, an English actor best known for his role in ITV’s drama series “London’s Burning.”
For students aspiring to study abroad, Davis advises planning ahead and embracing new experiences.
“Start researching programs early and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” she said. “Studying abroad is as much about personal growth as it is about academics.”
For more information on A&T’s theater arts program,
click here.
About North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. A&T is widely recognized for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Tuesday, February 11th 2025 at 9:25PM
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