My name is Keisha Amponsa Banson, and I’m a recent graduate of Atlantic Theater School’s Summer Intensive. It’s been about six weeks since I finished the program, and I can honestly say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
I was incredibly grateful to be awarded the Resident Artist Scholarship, which Atlantic offers to artists continuing their creative journey. As an Afro-British creative born and based in the UK, I knew I needed something more to add to my toolbox. I felt myself getting a little rusty, and we didn’t want that. Everyone I spoke to who had trained at Atlantic told me the same thing: Atlantic is the place to be.
They were right.
People talk about a “New York minute,” but an Atlantic Theater School minute is even faster. They pack so much into every day, vigor, passion, and verve that makes you excited to learn and dive deeper. The training helped me fully embody myself as an artist in my power, especially through the process of deconstructing a piece and then rebuilding a life.
By that, I mean truly excavating a text, digging into what it means, understanding its social and political context, and doing the groundwork. Then, after all that work, you step in front of another beautiful human being, stay present, breathe—and speak the words. It’s really that simple, and incredibly powerful.
The experience gave me such a renewed passion that I already want to return and continue studying at Atlantic. This course feels like just the tip of the iceberg. With inspiring guest instructors and a schedule where no minute is wasted, I felt deeply supported and challenged throughout the process.
I also made lifelong friends from all over the world, Australia, South Africa, Greece, Mexico, across the U.S., and of course, me from the UK. That sense of global community was truly special.
Now, I’m back home and already putting the work into practice—currently excavating a text for an upcoming audition. What’s next? Watch this space. I know this is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to return to New York, to Atlantic Theater School, and to dig even deeper into the work that first gave me a taste of what’s possible.
Watch full interview HERE.
Keisha Amponsa Banson
Keisha Amponsa Banson An established actor with over 17 years of experience in London’s West End & on tour around the UK & Ireland, Keisha chose to revamp her career at Atlantic Theatre School, following a period of rest from the industry & to rediscover her purpose as a performer. Looking to break into more TV & film roles, she was spurred on to pursue further study in New York, where she was thrilled to be able to gain new & indelible acting skills & confidence, whilst completing the course, as well as lasting community & connections with like minded creatives.
Her acting credits include: ‘Reincarnation Blues’ (The Other Palace); ‘Winghaven Park’ (The Actor’s Church); ‘Girl From the North Country’ (original UK/Ireland tour cast); ‘The Magician’s Elephant’ (Royal Shakespeare Company); ‘Sylvia’ (The Old Vic); ‘Argos Archives’ (Futures Theatre); ‘School of Rock’ (Gillian Lynne Theatre); ‘Caroline, or Change’ (original West End cast, Playhouse Theatre/Chichester Festival Theatre).
Keisha was an alumni of the Summer Intensive 2025, where she was awarded the prestigious Resident Artist Scholarship to study at Atlantic.
She was part of Atlantic’s Summer Intensive.
Instagram: @kshakei
Summer Intensive
Our Summer programs present students with the opportunity to gain a working and rigorous understanding of the Atlantic Technique, Practical Aesthetics, and to immerse themselves in a life-long community of dedicated actors.
Summer alumni have gone on to robust and prolific careers in theater, TV, and film. They include Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids), Charmaine Bingwa (“The Good Fight”), Anna Chlumsky (“Veep”), Zach Woods (“Silicon Valley”), and more!