Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Meadows.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello! My name is Shayla Meadows, I’m an actress, artist and creative from Conyers, Georgia! Currently, I’m in my senior year at Alabama State University (Go Hornets!) where I’m studying for my B.A. in Theatre Arts, Performance Concentration and my B.S. in Psychology, and I’ll be graduating next semester in the Spring of 2027! I’m also a member and the 2 year President of the Chi Chi Cast of Alpha Psi Omega. I’ve been interested and had a passion for the arts ever since I was young! I did my first play at 7 years old at Honey Creek Elementary and my love for the art form has grown ever since and only expanded! Since then I’ve done competition dance, competition and sideline cheer, and collegiate cheer, and involved my self in different forms and aspects of the arts including, stage management, lighting and sound, costume, directing, choreography, house management, and many more! That’s one of the main things I appreciate about my college experience and involving myself in the craft, there’s so many avenues and paths that I originally never thought about but have found myself interested in gaining more experience within them. I’ve been exposed to many different playwright’s works and literature and even have had the opportunity to compete twice in the ACTF Irene Ryan Competition, where my second year I became a finalist, which was a great opportunity. After I graduate I would like to obtain my M.F.A. in Acting and I am currently in the audition process. Throughout my time sharpening my tools for my craft, I feel very prepared and ready to take on what comes next!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to where I am today has definitely not been a smooth or easy road. When you choose a career in the arts, you’re bound to experience judgment, uncertainty, and moments of self-doubt. But one thing I’ve learned along the way is the importance of betting on yourself, even when you’re afraid.
Coming out of my senior year of high school, I struggled with a lot of doubt. I questioned whether I was talented enough, whether I had the skills to pursue acting professionally, and whether I could actually make a living doing something I loved. I allowed those fears and outside perceptions to influence my decisions, and ultimately, I chose not to pursue acting right away. Instead, I attended Tuskegee University my freshman year as a psychology major, which was something I had developed an interest in throughout high school.
I’m grateful for that experience because I made some amazing friends, several of whom I’m still close with today, and I also had the opportunity to cheer during my freshman year. However, throughout that year, I realized that my love for cheerleading had changed, and despite keeping myself busy, I still felt like a piece of me was missing. I knew something wasn’t quite right, and I had to be honest with myself about what I really wanted.
That realization pushed me to make a decision for myself, rather than continue making decisions based on what other people might think of me. I applied to Alabama State University to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts after a good friend of mine, Kassidy, told me about the program. My mom was incredibly supportive of my decision, and that meant so much to me because, for the first time, I felt like I was truly betting on myself, and the people closest to me were betting on me, too.
Looking back, I realize that sometimes the biggest struggle isn’t necessarily other people’s judgment; it’s learning not to let that judgment become your own. I had to learn that being afraid doesn’t mean you’re incapable, and not having everything figured out doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. My journey has taught me that I owe it to myself to pursue the things that make me feel fulfilled, even when the road ahead is uncertain.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an actress and theatre artist currently pursuing a double major in Theatre Arts and Psychology at Alabama State University. My work primarily focuses on acting and storytelling, and I’m especially drawn to stories that explore the human experience, relationships, identity, and the complexities of being human. I love work that challenges people to look beyond the surface of a character or situation and encourages them to see things from a different perspective.
I think one thing that makes me unique as an artist is my interest in psychology. I’ve always been fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, and I find that my psychology background allows me to approach my characters with a deeper level of curiosity and empathy. I want to understand what motivates a character, what they may be struggling with internally, and how their experiences shape the way they navigate the world. For me, acting is about more than memorizing lines or performing emotions. It’s about finding the humanity in a character and telling their story as honestly as possible.
Two roles that have really shaped me as an actress are Beneatha Younger in A Raisin in the Sun and Nya in Pipeline. Beneatha is probably the character I’ve played who feels closest to me personally. I connected with her desire to figure out who she is, what she believes in, and what she wants her future to look like. Playing her allowed me to draw from parts of myself and explore the experience of trying to establish your own identity while navigating other people’s expectations.
On the other hand, playing Nya in Pipeline was one of the most distinct and challenging experiences I’ve had as an actress. That role pushed me to explore emotions and circumstances that challenged me in different ways and required me to dig deeper into my understanding of a character. Both experiences reminded me that acting requires a balance between bringing your own truth to a role and being willing to step outside of yourself to understand someone else’s reality.
I’m passionate about telling stories that allow people to feel seen and understood, particularly stories that explore experiences and perspectives that are not always given the space they deserve. As a young Black woman pursuing a career in the arts, I understand how important representation is, both onstage and on screen, and I hope to contribute to work that creates space for more of those stories to be told.
What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve experienced, not just as an actress, but as a person. Learning to trust myself enough to pursue this career was a major step, and every opportunity I’ve had since then has continued to remind me why I chose this path. I’m proud of the work I’ve put into my craft, the risks I’ve taken, and my willingness to keep learning even when I don’t have everything figured out yet.
I think what sets me apart is the combination of my artistic interests, my curiosity about people, and my desire to tell stories with intention. I’m still growing into the artist I want to become, but I know I want my work to mean something to people. I want audiences to leave a performance feeling something, thinking differently, or recognizing a part of themselves in a story they may not have otherwise encountered.
What makes you happy?
Honestly, what makes me happy is being able to slow down and enjoy my life. My family and friends bring me so much joy, and I love the simple moments. Laughing until my stomach hurts, having long conversations, traveling, practicing self-care, and being around people who allow me to be completely myself.
The arts, in all forms, also make me incredibly happy. Acting, music, dance, visual art, etc. There’s something about creativity and watching people express pieces of themselves that I’ve always connected with. Being able to create and experience art reminds me why I love what I do in the first place.
I think sometimes we get so caught up in chasing our goals, meeting expectations, and worrying about what’s next that we forget to actually live. I’m learning to quiet that noise and give myself permission to enjoy where I am right now. I want to experience new things, spend time with the people who matter to me, travel, laugh, create, and make memories. I want to live life to the fullest while still working toward the life I dream of.
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