When it comes to a versatile acting resume, Cate Mendes has checked the boxes. During her college career, she played an Irish woman in Dancing at Lughnasa and Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists. She sparkled while performing in the bluegrass musical Bright Star and the American classic Pajama Game.
“I believe art is one of the purest expressions of who we are, capturing ideas and emotions in a way nothing else can,” she says. “Visual art allows us to leave a lasting piece of ourselves behind and reflects the incredible creativity of the human mind.”
Significant experiences took her beyond campus. Cate participated in the Southeastern Theatre Conference, which connects students with theatres, summer stock companies and producers. She squeezed in a semester abroad in Italy to study with the New York Film Academy.
Cate took her final bow at Berry when she devised a musical comedy that “dives into the woes of growing older, leaving what is known and becoming.”
Offstage, the actor developed into a well-rounded professional thanks to the theatre department’s emphasis on hands-on experiences. She says, “It's such a well-rounded program because I've learned not only how to be an actor, but how to be a technician. I've worked in lighting, costumes, sets and props.”
Cate received the merit-and work-based Gate Scholarship, which allows recipients to graduate with little to no debt. Gate Scholars commit to working on campus and allotting a portion of their earnings toward their education.
As a freshman, Cate took a position with Berry's creative services department and stayed through her senior year. Guided by Assistant Director Meaghan Marr, she grew into an accomplished graphic designer. The industry publication Playbill featured Cate's cover art for the Berry College Theatre Company's production of Dancing at Lughnasa. She designed cover art for a number of plays.
After graduation, Cate landed a role as Helena, one of the lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream produced by the Rome Shakespeare Festival. Well trained and disciplined, she is ready for whatever comes her way.
“I know that I can go into this career with my acting, marketing skills, graphic design and sales skills,” Cate says. “I'm just so happy that I came to Berry because I know if I went somewhere else, I wouldn't have all of these great tools.”
Cate’s Berry Journey
Study abroad photos courtsey of NYFA Florence.
