Graduation Spotlight: Kynda Henry, Performance Studies

Kynda Henry’s love of film began at an early age. As a child, she often quoted movie lines, and she was quickly captivated by the production of storytelling.

“I have always been interested in performance, media and film,” Henry said. “I even made my first short documentary piece in high school on the history of boba tea and how it was made in a local tea shop.”

Henry said she chose to major in Performance Studies and minor in Film and Media Studies to learn about every aspect that goes into making a film production, even taking part in performing. In an Introduction to Performance Studies course, Henry said she was excited to experience her first performance in a 1950s dystopian play.

The McKinney native is set to graduate Dec. 18 with a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies, and she will be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 17.

“I am incredibly honored that I would be chosen for this award,” Henry said. “It is amazing to be recognized for my work.”

Henry was also proud of a “mockumentary about aliens” she completed for her performance capstone course. She recalled spending hours in the editing process, but was grateful the hard work paid off.

“I’m glad I was able to make some people laugh, and I found talking to people who are passionate about their art field quite inspiring,” she said. “I hope to create more projects in the future that do just that.”

Henry said two professors played a significant role in her academic journey: James R. Ball III, Ph.D., associate dean for industry and community engagement and associate professor; and Kim Kattari, Ph.D., associate professor.

“Professor Ball helped me excel by giving me a good basis for my major and setting a high expectation for the quality of my research essays,” she said. “Professor Kattari provided me with fascinating insights into aspects of Performance Studies that I would not have seen otherwise.”

One of Henry’s favorite classes was an Altered States and Performance Seminar course led by Kattari. Henry said Kattari offered guidance and supported her ambition to work in media.

“While some classes are effective at teaching you the material, this class altered the way I view the world,” Henry said. “Professor Kattari has always been a person I would go to for advice about any of my classes.”

After graduation, Henry hopes to work in the film industry to make documentaries. She said she felt support from the program as a whole in pursuing her dream as a filmmaker.

“As a student, you get from the program what you put into it,” she said. “The Performance Studies program is effective at providing opportunities and people to facilitate those opportunities.”