AU taught me how to make a life in theatre, to advocate for myself, and to take center stage and grow as a theatre artist. 

A self-described “drama queen” in childhood who discovered a love for Shakespeare in high school, Sirra Faal (CAS, SOC ‘24) has grown into a multifaceted performer with experience in directing, playwriting, and communications.  

While exploring college options, Faal prioritized theatre programs that offered the flexibility to pursue a double major. American University was a perfect fit and receiving a scholarship sealed the deal. Pairing her degrees in Theatre Performance and Communication Studies gave Faal a greater range as a theatre artist. “I was able to tailor my comms degree to the theatre world. My skills in writing, video editing, and content creation have given me the tools to become a multi-hyphenate artist,” she says.  

While at AU, Faal graced the AU stage in many performances, including lead roles as Wendy Darling in Lost Girl and Perdita in The Winter’s Tale. "In high school, I was always cast as supporting characters or in comedic roles. At AU, I was cast in leading roles, as ingénues,” said Faal. “These opportunities allowed me to reframe how I thought about myself as a young Black woman in the arts"  

Faal cites the influence of her faculty mentors as pivotal to her success. “In the program, you have every opportunity and resource--and 15 professors, mentors, and role models who are eager to pour into you and nurture you,” Faal says. During her time at AU, Faal held an internship for Girls Rock! DC, an arts and activism non-profit for DC youth. “Bridging arts and activism and doing arts with a purpose is important to me,” she says. “I carry this in my ethos as an artist, in how and why we tell stories.”  

As an AU graduate, Faal continues to work part-time for Girls Rock! DC, has performed in understudy roles, made her professional stage debut in Chicken and Biscuits at Next Stop Theatre, served as assistant director for AU’s production of Dance Nation, and is currently writing her own play. The support from the AU community hasn’t wavered. Last year, dozens of students and faculty showed up to see Faal take the stage as an understudy in Sojourners at Round House Theatre. “I graduated, but I’m not on my own. I call my professors, and they have long conversations with me, affirm or challenge me on things. They’ve made it clear that there’s always an open door,” she says.