Meet Shelby Woolridge of Xpress Yourself in West End

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Woolridge.

Shelby, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, with my mother and three younger siblings. I have always been heavily involved in the arts in some way, either participating in the choir and church plays to working with the Drama club at my school. I have been a part of many productions, convocations, concerts and performance spaces, all carefully curated by the wonderful mentors and advisors who have helped me along the way. In 2017, I was admitted into Spelman and was blessed to be able to work alongside some of the most creative people I have ever met. I am a Theatre and Performance and Spanish double major. Today, I am the co-president of Spelman’s Drama and Dance Ensemble, where we host events monthly to ensure professional development and enthusiasm for the performing arts within our community. I am also the Co-founder of a mentorship program called Xpress Yourself, where we work with students in the metro Atlanta area. I am currently in the process of applying to Graduate schools for acting and education.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Truthfully, the consistent struggle throughout my life has been fitting my version of success, given everything I have on my plate at one time. I have always been someone who wears many hats, and after a while, I have seen it take a toll on my mental health. I wish I could say that I have learned my lesson by now, but every year I sign up for 50 projects and challenge myself to see if I can see them through. Another struggle has been advocating for myself at the institutions I am a part of. I missed out on many opportunities in the past because I did not know how to stand up for myself. Going to Spelman has given me the tools necessary to do that today.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I would like to preface that I am speaking in the past tense about Xpress Yourself, as we are trying to figure out how to pursue this program virtually at this time. However, the initial statement of purpose between my Co-founder and I, Raiyon Hunter, was to help provide accessible arts education and mentorship. We are well aware of the school to prison pipeline for young black children, coupled with the fact that many students may have an interest in pursuing a career in the arts without the support from their loved ones. After putting our heads together, we realized that we could kill two birds with one stone through XY, encourage and provide artistic education and give students mentors to work with. I have been most proud of my peers since we have started this work. They are innovative and hard-working and were always ready to work with the students regardless of the circumstances.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the entertainment industry exploding with content from Black Creators in the next 5-10 years. I believe people are tired of letting other people (you know who I’m talking about… the YTs) making decisions for them. With creators like Issa Rae spearheading this movement of curating your own image and space, I am optimistic that more black creators and producers will follow suit. Here in Atlanta, many of the people I go to school with are actively creating their own short films and skits, writing and performing constantly. It is beautiful to watch.

Contact Info:

• Email: xpressyourself99@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xyauc/?hl=en

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.