Gerrard James

John Wood LAMDA Postgraduate Award, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art - Acting

I am originally from Brooklyn, New York and I graduated with my M.F.A in Acting from Pace University in 2017. I recently played the character Lank in Dominique Morriseau’s Detroit 67’ at The Clarence Brown Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee. I fell in love with London three years ago when I studied at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art for eight weeks over the summer. Getting the opportunity to go back and study again, but this time in a longer and more intense capacity, is a dream come true. The theatrical productions, museums, and different cultural areas are all aspects of London that I cannot wait to explore further. My Fulbright project will explore the evolution of diversity in the British theatre and American film industries. I want to research how British theatre has evolved to include BAME (Black and Minority Ethnic) actors in lead roles whereas in The United States, these types of opportunities for people of colour have been more prevalent in the television and film industries.  One play that I am really looking forward to seeing while I’m in London is Peter Gynt at The National Theatre!