NO one can deny the power we possess when we understand the relentless energy and drive it takes to work and ultimately survive in any given field. The same can be said for rising stars in theatre: Nyanda Cammock, Camille Davis, Sakina Deer and Noelle Kerr, who have been described as the new generation of actresses, set to one day join the ranks of Leonie Forbes, Ruth HoShing and Makeda Solomon.

Despite the ups-and-downs that come with the terrority, these starlets have been busy breathing life into an impressive variety of characters, and are not only surviving, but thriving. Each significant on her own, but together - as when they recently gathered at the Observer offices in St Andrew to dish on life in the biz - they are a force of nature.

Noelle Kerr, Camille Davis, Sakina Deer and Nyanda Cammock (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

Davis, now 22, can be seen holding her own opposite comedy kingpin Oliver Samuels in River Bottom; Deer, 23, is a whirlwind of sass and attitude in Uptown Bangarang 2 while Kerr, 25, and Cammock, 29, bring the funny as co-stars in the hilarious and thought-provoking Di Fallen Angel and Di Devil's Concubine. With star power and earning potential, when it comes to their acting pursuits, these young ladies prove that the future of Jamaican theatre looks bright - and they continue to do the pioneers, luminaries and veterans proud.

As they get ready to tackle more mature roles and challenging new projects, all woman sits down with the fearless foursome to discuss earning respect as actresses, securing a financial future in acting and why they intend to change the industry.

all woman: How has it been working to establish your careers as serious actresses?

Davis: It has been very good for me. I started in 2004 with very little experience and I have been learning as I go along. I've been blessed. It has been good so far.

Kerr: I think I have been getting more recognition more recently than ever. So far in my career, I have been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of different people with different styles and I have basically been getting my training working with established talent.

Cammock: On the stage is where I have been getting my training too, since 2000. It has been good. The best way to learn how to swim is to be thrown into the pool.

all woman: What are some of the biggest life lessons you've gleaned along the way?

Cammock: Whenever I come to a crossroad, I always ask myself 'What's the lessons here?' And whenever I get it, I apply it to my everyday life. You have to be patient, humble and willing to grow to achieve success.

Kerr: I try to take experiences and log them away as research and for future reference. I can draw on both the negative and the positive and use it to strenghthen me as I move forward with my life.
Davis: I always think that whatever happens to me, happens for a reason. It's for me to ask myself, what's the lesson there for me to learn? Each day I learn something new.

Deer: The biggest lesson I've learnt is to never judge. Someone's character on the stage is never the same off the stage. And, at the same time, nobody has the right to push their beliefs on another.

all woman: Being such young artists, how do you handle the pressures that come with the territory? How do you stay focussed?

Deer: There is a lot of pressure in the industry but you just have to be comfortable in yourself and know what you can manage. You have to learn to think ahead and let bygones be bygones.
Davis: Exactly. Never get lost. Know what you stand for. You have to stay grounded and focussed.

Cammock: Try not to listen too much about what people have to say because there will always be naysayers. Your work should speak for you.

Kerr: Pressure comes the moment you choose a career as an actress here in Jamaica. You just have to be comfortable in your own skin.

all woman: For many performers in the theatrical arts, making adequate money has always been an issue and I know that must be one of your concerns.

Davis: It's a very important issue and you have to think about it. Firstly, you have to think about your future and what's best for your family. I think the situation here in Jamaica can be better.

Cammock: It is definitely a concern and, currently, I don't think that actors are appreciated as much as they should in Jamaica.

Kerr: It's hard to do acting in Jamaica without a second job. It's very hard. And many projects in Jamaica like TV commercials do not do well because they are not willing to properly pay actors.

Davis: People assume that it's easy to be an actor and it's not.

Deer: That's so true. We need to be paid what we're worth.

all woman: So what advice can you share with other young Jamaicans eyeing a career in acting?

Davis: If it's not something that you truly want, don't do it. You have to be dedicated because this industry can really destroy you if you're not careful.

Cammock: Take everything as a learning process. Know who you are and trust in yourself.

Kerr: You have to be willing to try new things because the amount of growth you'll experience is priceless. The money is not the first thing to focus on. Try and get on that stage as much as possible because that will benefit you in the long run.

Deer: Always be you. Don't put on a facade for anybody. Always be true to yourself.

all woman: Looking ahead, what are some of your future ambitions where your acting careers are concerned?

Davis: I am just hoping for more opportunities to learn and to grow because everything that happens, happens for a reason. Each day you learn something new and it's always important to try and take as much in as possible. I want to continue to grow and evolve as an actress.

Deer: I'd love to do Broadway (Laughs). But for the time being, my aim is to be very influential in terms of getting Jamaicans to embrace our local talent more. I want people to know that Carib Cinema and stage shows are not the only forms of entertainment
Cammock: I agree. I want to see the acting industry pick up more. I also want to branch out and do film. I want to direct, I want to write and I want to be known internationally (Giggles).

Kerr: I believe the industry deserves more respect and recognition because we have a great amount of talent here in Jamaica. And whatever way I can work to get this achieved, I am willing to do it. We need to work so that the future generation of talent can succeed too.

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