Exploring African-American history and culture

Before making her way to the University in the fall of 2016, Kristen Barrett, the Farish Family Jefferson Scholar, already was proving herself as an actor, director, producer, and playwright. At her high school in Nashville, she served as president of the drama club and acted in numerous productions, including As I Lay Dying, Damn Yankees, and As You Like It. She also won several acting awards and was inducted into the International Thespian Society.

So, not surprisingly, upon matriculating at U.Va., Kristen quickly immersed herself in the drama community. Now a third year, Kristen has emerged as a leader in the arts, serving as director of Shakespeare on the Lawn, a student-run theatre troupe, and as president of Paul Robeson Players, which focuses on producing works that explore African and African-American history and culture.

Recently, as part of her role with Paul Robeson Players, Kristen organized an annual event called “12-Hour Play Project” during which U.Va. students write, direct, rehearse, and perform a series of plays within a 12-hour span.