Theatre has always been my first love, ever since my very first role at the age of 7 in The
Girl Scout Story where I played Juliette Lowe, the founder of Girl Scouts. This early experience
made a lasting impression on me. I then went on to high school at The Alabama School of Fine
Arts where I majored in theatre and minored in creative writing. I really enjoyed it. When I went on to Louisiana State University I wanted to take a break from theatre and be “normal.” I still loved theatre so I minored in it. After graduation I let fear of being a struggling waitress/actress get in the way of me pursuing my dream. So I then went on to work in retail management and built a successful career. However, the more I did it (even though I was good at it) the unhappier I became. This is when I knew something had to change. Theatre had never left
my heart. I saw theatre as the one that got away. I decided to go back to school and get a second degree in theatre from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. I chose to go back to school to work on and improve my craft and build a network to help me pursue my dream. I then went on and received my MFA in Acting at California State University, Fullerton.
I later went on to I write two solo shows The Common Denominator and The Truth is Stanger Than Fiction when performed together it's called My Life in Two Acts. Right before I left California, I co-produced My Life in Two Acts and performed it with The Wayward Artist Theatre company. In 2018 I moved back to my hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. I joined the faculty at South Louisiana Community College. I currently teach Intro to Acting, Intro to Theatre Performance, and Intro to Film Performance. Pre COVID, I performed with Acadiana Repertory Theatre in Lafayette (July 2019) and Women Get Loud Event for International Women's day at Stages Theatre in Fullerton (March 2020).
Acting is my love and ultimately what I want to do. I have lived out in the world and
made lots of money and had a “successful” career. When I made the decision to go back to school and pursue my dream, my income has been cut in half. Due to the lack of money, I have been stressed, frustrated, disappointed, and cried several times since I have made the choice to take this journey to pursue my dream, but I would not have it any other way! I am dedicated and highly motivated. If your dreams don’t scare you…they are not big enough. Well I guess I have a humongous dream because I am terrified. Last time I let fear stifle me, this time this fear pushes me to trek on and work harder. I have lived an interesting life thus far and I have a story to tell.
Allow me to tell my story,
Tina A. Burkhalter