Daily Inspiration: Meet Erica Holcomb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Holcomb.

Hi Erica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Agape Arts Drama Club began with a simple passion for the arts and a belief that everyone deserves a safe space to express themselves creatively. I wasn’t introduced to the arts until high school, when I took a chance and signed up for a drama elective. I was extremely shy at the time, but that one decision completely changed my life. Drama became my outlet — a place where I could be myself, gain confidence, and discover my voice.

That experience inspired me to pursue theater in college. I earned my Associate’s Degree in Theatre from Georgia Perimeter College, where I deepened my love for performance and storytelling. I later continued my studies, earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Performance Studies and eventually my Master’s Degree in Special Education. My goal was not only to understand the craft of acting but also to be equipped to teach and reach students of all backgrounds and abilities.

Along the way, I worked on independent films, extra casting for movies, stage productions, and took countless acting classes. But as I gained experience, I started to notice a problem — theatre arts programs were disappearing from many public schools. When budgets are cut, theatre is often the first to go, even though it’s such a powerful tool for building confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.

That realization became my motivation to create Agape Arts Drama Club — an affordable, inclusive program where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, background, or experience. Our classes teach the foundations of acting and theatre, but also life skills like public speaking, teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking. You don’t have to be an actor to benefit from what we teach.

We provide a positive, supportive environment for youth and adults to grow, learn, and shine. Each session ends with a showcase where students share what they’ve learned, giving them a chance to experience the joy of performance.

Our team is made up of passionate industry professionals — actors, screenwriters, educators, and theatre artists — who love what they do and bring that energy to every class. We offer both online and in-person programs, partnering with public schools and recreation centers throughout the metro Atlanta area and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Agape Arts Drama Club is more than just a drama program — it’s a community. It’s a place where creativity is nurtured, confidence is built, and everyone has a chance to take the stage.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has not been a smooth road. It can be challenging to get our program approved in public schools and recreation centers,” I admit. “Keeping the program running isn’t always easy — much of the funding comes out of my own pocket to cover team pay and operational costs. But I keep pushing forward because the arts are so needed in our communities. Our youth deserve a safe space to grow and express themselves, and so do our adults. Creative expression is a powerful outlet — and with mental health challenges on the rise, these spaces are more important than ever.”

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Agape Arts Drama Club, I provide theatre and acting programs that empower youth and adults to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills. We specialize in teaching the foundations of acting — from character development and improvisation to teamwork and public speaking — but what makes our program unique is that we go beyond performance. We focus on using theatre as a tool for personal growth, communication, and self-expression.

I’m most proud of the safe and inclusive community we’ve built. Many of our students come to us shy, uncertain, or looking for a creative outlet — and by the end of our sessions, they’re performing on stage with confidence and pride. Seeing that transformation is what drives me every day.

What truly sets us apart is our heart. “Agape” means unconditional love, and that’s the foundation of everything we do. Our classes are affordable and accessible, taught by working industry professionals who are passionate about giving back. We don’t just teach acting — we teach life skills, emotional awareness, and the power of believing in yourself. Whether our students pursue theatre professionally or simply carry those lessons into other areas of their lives, they leave knowing their voice matters.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people about me is that I was extremely shy growing up. Most people see me leading classes, directing performances, and speaking confidently in front of others, but that confidence didn’t come easily. I use to think I wasn’t enough. I use to believe that I couldn’t do anything important with the arts. Acting is hard — it’s a competitive field that comes with a lot of rejection and moments where you want to give up.

But I learned that the arts aren’t just about fame or being on stage — they’re about connection, creativity, and courage. Theatre helped me find my voice and purpose, and that’s why I’m so passionate about helping others discover theirs. When I see a student step out of their comfort zone or perform with confidence for the first time, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and why this work matters so much to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.agapeartsdramaclub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agapeartsdramaclub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agapeartsdrama

Image Credits
Brand New Consulting Group – Jarvis Releford

Dwayne Boyd Photography