Meet Maya! She is a senior studying theatre performance and is playing Rosalind in Hofstra’s production of As You Like It!
Name: Maya Carter
Year: 2016
Hometown: Randolph, MA
Major/Minors: BFA Theatre Arts; Performance Concentration
What are you involved in on campus?
I’m the Co-Chair of Spectrum Players the non-musical theatre & experimental theatre club, I’m also a member of Alpha Psi Omega the National Dramatic Honors Fraternity.
What made you decide to come to Hofstra?
I walked into the Adams Playhouse on Admitted Students Day and saw the set for Much Ado About Nothing, and was absolutely floored and knew I wanted to come here for a chance to work on that stage, and also, the pep band played a Kesha medley before disappearing into the descending orchestra pit, and it was AMAZING.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Passionate, whimsical, strong.
Favorite inspirational quote?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Mariane Williamson, A Return To Love
If they made a film of your life, who would you want to play you?
Nicole Beharie. Hands down, she is one of the most dynamic and powerful actresses I’ve ever seen, and also she’s about as short as I am, and absolutely stunning.
Who inspires you the most?
That’s so tough, because I draw inspiration from so many individuals, and picking favorites is hard! Hmm, okay, I have an answer, I’m making a short list. In no particular order: Audre Lorde, The women in my family, bell hooks, Lupita Nyong’o, Zora Howard
Best class you’ve taken at Hofstra?
3 way tie! Creative Writing, Geography of Child Labor, and a performance based Sociology Independent Study taught by Cindy Rosenthal and Cynthia Bogard.
Favorite on campus food?
Smooth berry swirl smoothie with a shot of rosehips/hibiscus from Red Mango, and the barbecue chicken pizza at Bits and Bytes.
Most played song?
I have 2! What You Won’t Do by Lianne La Havas River by Leon Bridges *also, Formation but I figured that maybe went without saying. #CuzISlay
Come see her in As You Like It in the Black Box Theater, New Academic Building. Show Times:
- Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, February 28 at 2 p.m.