Douglas Anderson School of the Arts recently offered a heart-felt welcome home to one of its most accomplished alumnae, Cassandra Freeman. As a guest actress in town for the Jacksonville Film Festival,
Cassandra extended her schedule to return to the halls of her former high school, where she shared a wealth of knowledge with students regarding her success on Broadway, television and the big screen.
Cassandra shared a special viewing of her recent role in the film Kinyarwanda, which chronicles the trials and triumph of the Rwanda genocide.
Cassandra discussed with students how she was cast in the role of Lieutenant Rose, the film’s grueling schedule and working with a dialect coach to perfect her authentic performance.
Currently enrolled theater students enjoyed a more intimate afternoon workshop that allowed
Cassandra to share how she carefully planned her career beyond high school by studying acting at Florida State University and ultimately New York University. Within weeks of obtaining her graduate degree,
Cassandra landed her breakthrough role playing opposite Denzel Washington in the film The Inside Man.
The “Rising Star Award” was bestowed upon
Cassandra by the 2011 Jacksonville Film Festival following a community viewing of Kinyarwanda. She is currently filming How We Got Away with It, which is scheduled to be released in 2012.
Douglas Anderson teachers, staff and especially students were equally delighted to see a former student graduate as an emerging artist and make major strides to become a rising star. Extending her schedule to spend time with students and share her diverse experiences is the hallmark of what makes Cassandra Freeman an inspiration to follow and admire.
More 'Spotlight on Education' Articles
Stay connected to the latest school news and events
