From Actor to Director: My Journey at UNC Charlotte and Beyond

When I first stepped into the theatre program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), I didn’t know yet how deeply those years would shape me, not just as a performer, but as a leader, a collaborator, and a storyteller with purpose.

Back then, my focus was acting. I loved the energy of the stage, the adrenaline before a performance, the discipline of rehearsal, and the vulnerability of bringing a character to life. Acting taught me empathy and precision, but more than that, it introduced me to the beautiful tension between artistry and faith — that space where creativity becomes both craft and calling.

What I didn’t know then was that God was already preparing me for something beyond the stage.

My First Step into Directing

My first directing project wasn’t a classic play; it was one I wrote myself, a piece called Celebrate Closeness for a summer camp (“Camp Swamp”) where I’d grown up going to. It was messy, full of first-time mistakes, but it was mine. I got to shepherd the story from page to performance. That experience lit something in me: the joy of holding the whole story in my hands and guiding it into being.

That summer taught me that directing isn’t about control, it’s about stewardship. And it clarified something else: I loved working with designers, technicians, stage managers — anyone who builds behind the scenes. I realized I got to have a hand in every part of the process while still guiding the cast and crew to a final outcome. And in that, I found a deeper version of my calling.

Learning by Observing

When I arrived at UNCC, I auditioned and landed my first role in These Shining Lives under the direction of Robin Witt. It was during that production that I asked (and was given!) permission to attend every single rehearsal (except for intimacy calls) simply to observe. I sat quietly and watched Robin direct the blocking, work with the cast, and shape the atmosphere of the room. I still have the pages of handwritten notes I took from that time!

Observing her taught me more about leadership and vision than I’d learned as an actor alone. I noticed how a director listens before giving notes, how they protect the creative space, and how they connect the technical elements to the emotional arc. It was a masterclass in collaboration, and I soaked it in.

Where Faith Meets Process

In my early acting days, I recognized that faith and art weren’t separate journeys; they were intertwined. But as I transitioned into directing, prayer became less of an afterthought and more of a foundation.

Before auditions, I’d pray for discernment to see people’s gifts clearly. During rehearsals, I prayed for unity, focus, and peace in the room. Before opening night, I prayed for the audience that God would move in hearts through the story we’d built.

Directing taught me how to hold both the technical and the spiritual at once. The blocking, the pacing, the vision board, all of it matters. But so does the posture of your heart. That balance — artistic excellence rooted in spiritual attentiveness — is where I’ve seen the deepest creative impact.

Lessons from My Time at UNCC

UNCC was more than just an education — it was a workshop in growth, humility, and leadership. I was surrounded by passionate creatives, each with their own worldview and voice.

Working in that environment taught me how to listen, really listen, to the people I was leading. It taught me to trust my instincts, but also to seek wise counsel. It taught me that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the birthplace of authentic art.

I learned how to navigate creative tension with grace. How to critique with kindness. How to fight for artistic integrity without losing relational peace. These lessons have served me beyond campus — in every rehearsal room, production meeting, and creative collaboration since.

Beyond the University Walls

After graduation, stepping into the professional world of theatre felt both exciting and daunting. Suddenly, the questions weren’t just artistic, they were practical:

• How do I lead people older or more experienced than me?

• How do I maintain creative conviction while still being teachable?

• How do I stay grounded in my faith in an industry that often misunderstands it?

The answer I’ve found is simple, yet vital: keep returning to the Source.

Prayer still anchors my process. Preparation still honors my craft. Community still sustains me — mentors, peers, and friends who remind me that calling is cultivated in collaboration.

I’ve learned that directing isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for others to discover truth. It’s about guiding people toward excellence while holding space for grace. It’s about the courage to trust that what we create, when done with intention and integrity, can have ripple effects beyond what we see.

The Shift That Changed Everything

Moving from actor to director wasn’t just a career transition; it was a perspective shift.

As an actor, I was focused on character.

As a director, I’m focused on story.

Acting taught me empathy — to inhabit another person’s experience. Directing taught me stewardship — to hold the whole narrative responsibly. Now, when I watch a performance come alive, I don’t see it as “my work” anymore. I see it as something offered.

Every light cue, every costume, every breath on stage, when dedicated to God, becomes a form of worship. That realization changed how I approach everything I do. It’s not about perfection, but purpose. Not about applause, but alignment. Not about climbing, but contributing.

Looking Ahead

Every new project reminds me that this journey, from actor to director, is still unfolding. There’s always more to learn, more to refine, more to surrender. But I’m grateful that the foundation was built on faith, excellence, and community from the very beginning.

Theatre will always be about people — their stories, their struggles, their search for meaning. And I want to keep creating spaces where that search meets the sacred.

Because ultimately, directing isn’t about being in charge.

It’s about being in tune with the story, with the team, and with the Spirit of the One who called me to create in the first place.

Until next time,

“Artists are the gatekeepers of truth. We are civilization’s radical voice.” — Paul Robeson