How did Ron Stetson impact Viola Davis’s life? What role did the Upward Bound program play in her journey?
Ron Stetson, Viola Davis’s acting instructor during her formative years, became a pivotal figure in her life. He taught her acting fundamentals and instilled a sense of self-belief. The Upward Bound program provided Davis with opportunities to explore her talents and connect with supportive mentors.
Keep reading to discover how these early experiences shaped the acclaimed actress’s path to success.
Ron Stetson & Viola Davis
Ron Stetson, Viola Davis’s mentor, is discussed with fondness in the actress’s memoir. When Davis was 14, she got involved with Upward Bound, a college preparatory program for underserved high school students. She participated in a six-week academic summer program in which she lived on a college campus and took drama as an extracurricular. There she met Ron Stetson, an actor and instructor at Upward Bound, who not only taught Davis the fundamentals of acting but also made her believe that she was a true artist, both capable and worthy of success. Stetson provided Davis, and other students, a space to be themselves where they were fully accepted and supported.
(Shortform note: The Upward Bound program is a federally funded educational initiative in the United States that aims to provide support and opportunities for underserved high school students. Established as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1964, Upward Bound focuses on promoting educational equity and access for students with low income, parents who didn’t attend college, and those living in rural areas. The program offers a range of services and resources to help these students succeed academically and navigate the college application process. Upward Bound serves approximately 59,000 students annually.)
Davis expresses gratitude for Stetson and the other adults in her life who pushed her to take advantage of opportunities to nurture and showcase her talent. For example, her high school science teacher encouraged Davis to apply for the Arts Recognition and Talent Search Competition (ARTS), a national competition recognizing and supporting young artists in the visual, literary, and performing arts. Successful applicants won an all-expenses-paid trip to Miami, Florida.
(Shortform note: Trusted adults and mentors play a pivotal role in the development and success of young people, as exemplified by Davis’s experiences with Stetson and her science teacher. Studies have shown that mentoring relationships contribute significantly to positive outcomes in young people, enhancing their academic performance, self-esteem, and social skills while reducing the likelihood they’ll engage in risky behaviors. In Davis’s case, the guidance, support, and inspiration she received from both Stetson and her science teacher not only encouraged her pursuit of acting but also instilled a sense of confidence that she was lacking.)
With support from her teacher and Upward Bound advisor, Davis applied and, to her surprise, won a spot. Though Davis felt out of place at the competition in Miami, her talent was noted by many of the attendees, and she was awarded the title of “Promising Young Artist.”
(Shortform note: The Arts Recognition and Talent Search (ARTS), now known as YoungArts, has significantly evolved from its inception. Initially focused on identifying young talent in the visual, literary, and performing arts through awards, its scope has expanded to include mentorship, workshops, and networking with industry professionals. The shift underscores the organization’s commitment to not just identify but also invest in young artists, providing them with the necessary recognition, skills, and connections to thrive in the arts industry.)
