When Trey Wilkerson ’24 attended Berry’s production of For Better or For Worse, the performance space, interactive nature of the show and welcoming personalities in the theatre department convinced him to commit to Berry. Four years later, he graduated with a versatile, competitive skill set.
Trey bolstered his talents as an actor, securing lead roles in Bright Star, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Illusion and A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. With new theatrical understandings in place, he found confidence in branching out of typical roles, prompting a journey of self-discovery.
“I remember being terrified when I was cast as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Trey recalls. “In the end, that show taught me so much about myself. It challenged the ways I viewed love and commitment, and I realized that I could be funny. Because of moments like this, I try not to pigeonhole myself into any one type of performance.”
Encouraged by Visiting Assistant Theatre Professor Jennifer Bradford, Trey learned to be confident in his character choices and to trust himself on stage: “Professor Bradford has taught me to trust my instincts. This applies to both my work as an actor and as a person. She made me realize that, at their root, my instincts are who I am. They are reflective of my own unique voice, and suppressing them denies me the ability to share who I am with the people around me.”
Though Trey’s primary interest was acting, he also gained experience in set design, lighting, sound, directing and even playwriting, which has been complemented by his English major. As the stitcher supervisor in the costume shop, Trey strengthened his resume.
He notes, “I am now capable of constructing entire costumes on my own. These skills were not something I ever saw myself acquiring, and it was a lot of hard work, but I loved it. I now also have a greater understanding of all that goes into designing a full-fledged production.”
The mentorship and well-rounded theatre education equipped Trey for theatrical work beyond Berry’s campus: “By being adaptable and having knowledge in multiple facets of theatre, you are making yourself a more marketable employee. Instead of being able to occupy one role, you can occupy multiple roles. For example, one summer I did a professional show with the North Georgia Theatre Company. I was cast in the show, but because of my experience with costuming, I also was hired as a costume assistant.”
The arts at Berry offer students an outlet for creativity and self-reflection. While growing academically and personally, their comprehensive training prepares them to compete professionally.
Story by senior Audrey Bennett
