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acting, B.F.A., Black History Variety Show, Florida Players, headshots, photography, Shari Thompson, theatre, University of Florida
Photo Credit: Shari Thompson
You would’ve never guessed by watching her on stage that this actress only started acting her freshman year of college.
But that didn’t stop Shari Thompson for auditioning and getting into the University of Florida’s B.F.A. acting program fall semester of her sophomore year.
Thompson wasn’t always completely set on acting. She used to want to go to law school. But acting was something she couldn’t resist.
“[Acting] was always something that I wanted to do,” Thompson said.
Currently a third-year B.F.A. acting major, Thompson’s been involved in various productions at the University of Florida.
Her most recent project is the Black History Variety Show that’s going up on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 and Thursday, February 28, 2013 in room G-12 in the Nadine McGuire Theatre Pavilion.
This is the second Black History Variety Show put on by UF students from the school of theatre and dance. The first show went up February 16, 2012 in the atrium of the Nadine McGuire theatre building. Students organizing the second show this year hope it will become an annual event.
The show will feature various acts that include singing, dancing and acting.
“We focus on black history and we also focus on what it means to be black,” Thompson said, “It’s not just black history, it’s American history—that’s our motto.”
The faculty advisor for the show is Dr. Mikell Pinkney, an associate professor at the school of theatre and dance. Dr. Jerry Dickey, Director of the University of Florida’s School of Theatre and Dance, has also helped with the show this year.
“We thank him for his help,” Thompson said of Dr. Dickey’s involvement.
Thompson will not only be performing in the Black History Variety Show—she’s also the publicity head of the event. She designed the poster for this year’s show, which features a large picture of her.
“I decided to put myself on it because I was the only one with a high quality photo,” Thompson said.
Her possession of a high-quality photo would be attributed to the fact that outside of acting, Thompson has a passion for photography.
“Photography is always something I’ve been interested in because I like collecting memories,” Thompson said.
But it’s more than just a passion—it’s a business. Thompson started her photography business freshman year of college.
“My photography business started to blossom when people needed headshots,” Thompson said.
Since then, Thompson has invested in equipment, new lenses, and in training herself to be a “pretty decent photographer.”
After reviewing her portfolio on her website sharithompson.com and on her Facebook page Shari Thompson Photography, you’ll agree she’s selling herself short. Her photography is more than decent.
A girl of many talents, Thompson isn’t slowing down for anyone. Once the 2013 Black History Variety Show is done, Thompson will begin work on another show: The Altruists, which will be presented by the Florida Players, a student-run theatre organization at the University of Florida.
Be sure to catch this talented young actress at the free Black History Variety Show, and if you can’t make it then, look out for her in The Altruists this April!
The Stage Life 