Spring Wells | Student Blog

The meaning of a “wellspring” is a bountiful source of something. For me, it was my love of acting.

And so, I decided to call this blog “Spring Wells” because like a spring, a point from which water flows, we have decided to follow the uncertain path of pursuing a life as an artist. At first, this love for our craft was discovered most likely at a young age, in our home towns (mine being Finchley, a place you’ve probably never heard of in London, England). It was there, in those places that we all as talented young performers discovered success and failure; similar to that early stream of water flowing through rocks and barriers and overcoming life lessons … until eventually arriving at Juilliard! Another inexhaustible well of endless possibilities, knowledge, wonder and purpose!

Now, as a fourth-year, graduating from the Drama program, I humbly reflect on where I’ve come from in order to look ahead at what I can now achieve.

My five goals for this year are:

1. To keep on strengthening my skills and craft as an actor and to be open to the opportunities that surround me. I also hope to be open enough to learn new lessons and be wise enough to hear old ones once again.
2. This summer I played Zoe in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' play An Octoroon at The Chautauqua Theater Festival. It was a life-changing experience that taught me that there is still so much more to be discovered in life and in my work. To be at our best, we must know that defeat is a part of anything worthwhile in life–and one must never stop seeking growth. A quote from Maya Angelou is present within me, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
3. To start to re-engage with the professional world outside of Juilliard and spend more time with loved ones. Luckily our schedules offer us more free time this year!
4. To do my best work always with the inspiration of creating a “high bottom.” In addition, to work with flow (which I have come to understand as being the optimal experience of creativity, enjoyment and doing one’s greatest work with ease.) Whether that be with your voice, instrument or for an actor with our body, voice and soul.
5. Lastly, to finish with grace and integrity.

On that first plane trip from London to New York as a first-year, I remember being terrified, excited, ambitious, and hopeful for the journey that lay ahead. My hopes were to become a classically trained actor fully equipped for the longevity of a long-lasting career. And I’m proud to say that this dream has already come true. All I can now hope for is to achieve my goals and soak up everything I can during my last and final year! I look forward to being immersed in three beautiful plays: Rita Tambien Rita by Tony Meneses (Juilliard playwright) directed by Whitney White (now closed), Detroit ’67 by Dominique Morisseau, directed by LisaGay Hamilton (November 7-11), and Martyna Majok's (Juilliard playwright alum) Queens, directed by Tyne Rafaeli.

Head of Drama, Evan Yionoulis, shared with us an important saying in our acting master class this week, “Hold on tightly, let go lightly.” Like you would with a sail on a boat in order to get the best capacity and power out of your instrument.

I leave you with that Juilliard friends!

Warmly,  

Hannah Rose