Sanaa Chambers, a Coastal Carolina University sophomore theatre arts major with a physical theatre concentration, will study in Arezzo, Italy, during the 2023-2024 academic year with the assistance of a $10,000 NAFSA Tamara H. Bryant Memorial Scholarship Award from the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The endowed scholarship was established in 2019 to provide study abroad opportunities for African-American undergraduate students.

Chambers, from Jacksonville, Fla., was one of 89 students selected from over 1,300 applicants nationwide. She is the first CCU student to earn an FEA scholarship. The FEA provides scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population.

During her year abroad, Chambers will continue her training in physical theatre and commedia dell’arte in the conservatory program at Accademia dell’Arte, located in the Tuscany region of Italy. Accademia dell’Arte is an exchange partner through CCU’s Center for Global Engagement.

“I use physical theatre as a way of connecting to the world and people around me,” said Chambers. “People of all walks of life can enjoy physical theatre because it transcends the boundaries of verbal language. Winning this scholarship elevated my excitement for my journey to Italy even more. I look forward to studying in such a beautiful country I get to call my home for an entire year!”

Last year, Chambers received the Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts Student Achievement Award of Outstanding Freshman for the theatre department. In September 2022, she received the Robin Edwards Russell Theatre Endowed Scholarship, named to honor Edwards College alumna and faculty member, Robin Edwards Russell.

At CCU, Chambers played Irene Rudolph and Mrs. Wiley in D.W. Gregory’s “Radium Girls.” In a series of one act plays, she played Mrs. Sorkin in Christopher Durang’s “Mrs. Sorkin.” Chambers has worked in the costume shop, helped with light hanging, assisted with incoming student auditions for the program, and has been in several student-directed productions.

“Sanaa Chambers is an exemplary student and artist who has established herself as a leader in the department and in the field of theatre,” said Dory Sibley, assistant professor of theatre performance. “She is dedicated to her craft and to the learning process to which she brings generosity, creativity, thoughtfulness, and unparalleled work ethic. Her joy for the work fills every room she is in, and her caring heart is always there to lend a hand or to listen.”

Students interested in applying for the FEA and other nationally competitive scholarships should contact CCU’s Office of National Scholarships.