Janni Ball

Just an autistic cancer survivor, chasing a dream of studying Shakespeare...

In 2015, I completed a two-year acting program at Chattanooga State Community College, in the USA, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving my Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre Studies. I wanted to study Shakespeare in his homeland, so I was next off to England! In 2017 I earned my BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Greenwich. My student visa ran out, and as I didn't have the money for another one, and I needed to get back to the states to be with my elderly father, I am currently back in Northwest Georgia regrouping. I am happy to announce that I have accepted an offer from the University of Birmingham to study on their Shakespeare and Theatre MA course through the Shakespeare Institute located at Stratford-upon-Avon. I am trying to sort out the logistics now, but I have a "Never. Stop." mantra, and I'm trying to embrace it full-tilt.

Aside from being a Shakespeare nerd, I enjoy books, comics, music, movies, video games, art... so many things! I like to be outdoors too! I love to walk and I enjoy being on the water. Fun!

I also really enjoy helping others. I went on a Humanitarian trip to Nicaragua in 2013 and it changed my life for the better. So much.

Contrary to stereotype, just because I was born/raised in the Deep South, USA does not mean that I go to cock fights, wear camouflage, chew tobacco, possess racist beliefs, speak with a redneck/twangy accent, thump people on the head with Bibles, live on sweet, iced tea & fried chicken, or drive a truck that's been lifted off the ground twelve feet. Nope. I have all of my teeth, I enunciate my words, and I drive a Kia hatchback when stateside. I also hate sweet, iced tea, and... I'm Buddhist, so no Bible thumping. I guess someone had to buck the establishment. Not even sorry.

Other Janni facts/beliefs/opinions?

Deathly afraid of spiders.

Not overly fond of heights.

Definitely not a fan of being startled.

It is always a good time for chocolate.

A nice, long walk in the rain is one of life's most underrated joys.

There is something to be said for "companionable silence."

I believe in lifelong learning.

Also believes in simply being nice. It's a curse at times, but I have to be true to my nature.

Trouble ascertaining left from right. True story.