“Finding ways to honor everyone’s artistic process”

I joined Atlantic’s Conservatory program during a very difficult time in my life. I was experiencing depression and had decided not to do anything pertaining to acting for three months. During one of my weekly email deleting days, I came across an email for Conservatory auditions. There wasn’t much time left for submission, so I decided to submit, and if accepted, I would take it as a sign that my brief artistic hiatus needed to end.

During the virtual callback, the room was very warm. I left the callback proud of what I had done, but also with renewed energy and excitement about my craft.

Participating in the program introduced me to new concepts that proved to be challenging. I struggled initially with practical aesthetics, but once it started to click, I began feeling more confident and secure in the choices that I was making when it was time for scene work.

I had a similar experience with the solo portfolio portion of the Conservatory. I had a lot of worries going into it. This is not a class that I would have chosen on my own, but I’m glad that it was included in the curriculum. The class required us to be vulnerable and draw from personal experiences to create a compelling narrative. I was deeply challenged by the work, but by the end felt empowered and can now envision myself being a solo performer.

The performance project portion of the program was one of the most unique and rewarding classes I’ve ever experienced. We each had to invent a character and then write a scene involving our creation as well as a classmate’s.

I really appreciated how much collaboration was involved, and felt the project was a great lesson in listening to others and finding ways to honor everyone’s artistic process.

I also found a lot of value in the industry and audition classes which provided practical tools and resources that I could apply not only in self-tapes, but also in future film projects.

Another aspect of the Conservatory that was extremely valuable and inspiring was the opportunity to connect with guest artists.

They offered perspectives and exercises that I still return to, and hearing their experiences instilled confidence and encouraged me to persevere at a time when I started to feel stagnant personally and professionally.

Their contributions along with mentorship from our instructors proved to be the catalyst that allowed me to rediscover my confidence and become a better artist.

Since the program ended, I’ve been writing more, and I’m in the process of finishing a play focused on the life of a Black Vietnam vet after returning home to the rural South. I’ve continued to actively pursue theater, TV, and film opportunities and was recently cast in the Queen Collective short film, GAPS, which premiered on BET.  I also participated in the Atlantic Alumni Showcase which helped me to deepen existing relationships while forming new connections with alumni of other Atlantic programs.

I’m grateful to Atlantic for their support and appreciate their commitment to emerging artists.

Eldren Keys