“There are two things you should know about me: I have never been one to sit still and I’ve always wanted to be an actor. I chose CWRU because I knew it would push me to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity. It already has. Since arriving, I’ve been busier than ever with professional acting work and chances to grow my craft.

My freshman year began by being cast as a day player in a SAG feature film. I told my professors, drove to set in Indiana, and found myself with a trailer, a script with lines to highlight, and a 1960s car to stunt drive. The film recently premiered at the Cannes and Sydney film festivals. I now have an IMDb page.

By the end of fall semester, I signed with a second agent. I’m from Pittsburgh and already had one covering both Pittsburgh and Cleveland. I figured it couldn’t hurt to open more doors. Since then, I’ve been auditioning constantly through both agencies. Taking David Vegh’s camera techniques class and purchasing self-tape equipment was a worthy investment.

In the spring, I booked a three-day shoot in Louisville, KY. I memorized my lines for the next morning in a hotel room. I met and learned from professional actors who have been doing this for twice as long as I have. I was finally convinced to create a professional acting Instagram (@reighanbean). After the long final shoot day, I got in my car and drove five and a half hours back to Cleveland. After all, I had a morning class to attend.

This summer, I have been driving back and forth from Pittsburgh to Cleveland. I was booked for a photoshoot that is for Cleveland tourism, so keep your eye out for me on a billboard. I’m also helping my first acting teacher, who gave me my love and drive for the art, by assisting with her screen acting classes.

While all this is happening, I am still a full-time student and proud member of the theater department. I’ve declared a double major in Theater with an Acting Concentration and Finance. I performed in Everybody and The Revolutionists with the Players’ Theatre Group, crewed Mousetrap, and acted in Men on Boats with the department.

Heading into my sophomore year, I’m proud of what has been accomplished and excited for my next semester and my first semester abroad. I am glad I chose CWRU.”

—Reighan Bean, Class of 2028