Freedom Martin

2018 Theatre Scholarship Recipient

Freedom is a young aspiring actor who discovered his love for Shakespeare when reading Romeo and Juliet in seventh grade. The play's intricate sword fights and overtly theatrical murders captured his imagination, and he knew that Shakespeare would play a significant role in his future. His fascination with Shakespeare's poetic mastery led him to participate in a production of Twelfth Night, which further ignited his passion for performing in Shakespearean plays. While he has had opportunities with theater companies and institutions in Chicago, Freedom recognizes the need to take his proficiency in Shakespearean performance to the next level.

For Freedom, the ideal next step is attending BADA's Midsummer Conservatory. The intensive three-week program in the birthplace of Shakespeare's plays would provide him with a unique opportunity to study and breathe life into the Bard's text. The program offers classes such as Acting Shakespeare Through Text, Acting Shakespeare Through Character, and Shakespearean Cultural History, all of which would greatly benefit his craft and be an honor to participate in. What excites him the most are the field trips to renowned Shakespearean theaters like The Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he could witness professional Shakespearean practitioners in action.

Freedom envisions the experience at BADA as an invaluable learning opportunity that would enhance his artistry for years to come. Studying alongside equally passionate young actors, immersing himself in Shakespearean culture, and watching performances by industry professionals would contribute to his growth as an actor and deepen his understanding of Shakespeare's works. Attending BADA's Midsummer Conservatory would be a significant milestone in Freedom's journey toward becoming a skilled Shakespearean performer.