Key Highlights
- Emmy Award-winning actress Britt Lower visited the University of Florida to speak with students about her career and life advice.
- Lower discussed her role in “Severance” and shared insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of making mistakes.
- Audience members were enthusiastic, lining up outside the University Auditorium for Lower’s event hosted by UF Student Government.
- Lower’s discussion covered topics ranging from her early interest in acting to advice on embracing challenges and creativity.
Theatrical Journey: Britt Lower Shares Her Story with UF Students
Britt Lower, the Emmy Award-winning actress known for her role as Helly R. in the Apple TV series “Severance,” recently visited the University of Florida (UF) to share insights into her career and life advice. The event, hosted by UF Student Government through its Accent Speakers Bureau, attracted a packed house at the University Auditorium on Thursday evening.
From Early Beginnings to Acting Success
Lower began her journey in acting as early as elementary school when she played a snowman in her school’s Christmas play. She reflected on these beginnings and shared how they set the foundation for her future endeavors. “Art is for everybody, and it’s available with whatever you’ve got to use,” Lower said during her speech. Her mother, a face-painting business owner and former high school home economics teacher, instilled in her the importance of art from an early age.
Lower’s passion for acting was further fueled by her role as Liz in the comedy show “Man Seeking Woman” and her portrayal of Tanya in the drama series “Unforgettable.” However, it was her performance as Helly R. that brought her widespread recognition. “I think everyone has aspects of Helly’s complex character,” Lower noted, emphasizing how characters like hers can resonate with viewers on a personal level.
Advice for Aspiring Actors and Artists
Lower’s speech was not only about her career but also offered valuable advice to students. She highlighted the importance of making mistakes quickly and learning from them. “There is something liberating about making bad work,” she said, encouraging students to embrace imperfection as a stepping stone to growth.
“In the moment, you want to say, ‘I want to skip this; I want to numb out, I want to take that pill or put that chip in my brain and just switch off,’ but if I zoom out and look at my experiences in life, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the things that really hurt,” Lower said, stressing the importance of facing challenges head-on.
Lower also delved into her acting journey from high school to Northwestern University, sharing how she immersed herself in theater. “Mostly, it scared me, which I think is a healthy thing to do creatively,” she explained about her experience with improvisation. This skill, Lower noted, has been invaluable in her roles, helping her to highlight characters’ faults and stupidities with comedic timing.
Student Reactions and Q&A Session
The event was well-received by the audience, with students like Sarah Garfield, a 22-year-old UF neuroscience and English senior, expressing her excitement. “We’re all really big ‘Severance’ fans,” she said, adding that attending such events brings them closer to their favorite shows. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A where students asked Lower about her creative process and advice for navigating the industry.
Lower’s visit highlighted not only her professional achievements but also her dedication to sharing knowledge and inspiration with aspiring artists and performers. As the second speaker hosted by the Accent Speakers Bureau this semester, she continued a tradition of bringing renowned figures to UF, enriching the educational experience and fostering a community of learning and growth.
