| MARGUERITE C. ANDERSON |
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Theatre, TV, and Commercial Actress
20+
years of acting
My introduction to acting began during my high school years in the 1980s as a member of the Drama Club at Wolmer's Girls' School in Kingston, Jamaica. During that period, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) hosted the Schools' Drama Festival, providing students with valuable opportunities to showcase their talents. Under the artistic direction of my drama teacher and production manager, Mrs. Shackleford, I participated in dramatic productions that were staged at the National Arena. These early experiences ignited my love for theatre and laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion for performance
Following high school, I attended Shortwood Teachers' College, where my study of Literature introduced me to drama as a more rigorous academic discipline. Through drama-related courses and theatrical exploration, I developed a deeper appreciation for the performing arts and gained a greater understanding of drama as both a creative and educational tool. My passion for theatre continued to flourish as I pursued a Bachelor's degree at the University of the West Indies (UWI). One of the highlights of my undergraduate experience was performing in a full-length theatrical production at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts. This opportunity exposed me to a more advanced level of theatrical performance and reinforced my appreciation for the discipline, collaboration, and artistry that theatre demands.
Looking back, I realize that acting was always woven into the fabric of who I am.
In 2003, I achieved a significant milestone when I performed the lead role in the stage production Elyshia Moneybags at the St. George's College Auditorium. Portraying the title character challenged me creatively and strengthened my confidence as a performer. Around the same time, I became a member of Nexxus Performing Arts under the direction of Hugh Douse, where I continued to refine my craft until my migration to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2007.
My involvement in theatre eventually expanded beyond acting into writing and directing. While serving as a teacher at Jamaica College, I wrote and directed my first stage play, This Is My Story, which was performed before a live audience at the Jamaica College Auditorium in 2006. This accomplishment marked an important turning point in my artistic development, allowing me to merge my passions for storytelling, education, and theatre while cultivating my skills as a playwright and director.
Throughout my teaching career, drama has remained a central part of my professional practice. As an English and Literature educator, I have consistently used dramatic techniques to foster curiosity, creativity, confidence, and self-expression among my students. My commitment to the performing arts extended beyond the classroom through leadership roles as Coordinator of the Performing Arts Club at Jamaica College from 2005 to 2007 and at Raymond Gardiner High School in the Turks and Caicos Islands from 2010 to 2019. These experiences allowed me to mentor young performers while promoting the transformative power of theatre in education.
Today, I continue to pursue my passion for acting as an active stage performer with Jamaica's National Pantomime. Since 2022, I have appeared in annual pantomime productions, contributing to one of Jamaica's most treasured theatrical traditions. I have also performed a lead role in the Jamaican stage play Pit to Pulpit, further expanding my repertoire as a stage actress.
In addition to theatre, I had the privilege of participating as a background actor in the Paramount Pictures film Bob Marley: One Love. I was involved in scenes recreating the historic 1978 One Love Peace Concert at the National Stadium as well as several period settings in Trench Town. The production's commitment to employing Jamaican talent helped bring authenticity and cultural richness to the film, and I was honoured to contribute to a project celebrating one of Jamaica's most iconic cultural figures.
One of the highlights of my theatrical journey was performing during an era when the historic Ward Theatre remained a vibrant centre of Jamaican performing arts. As a performer, I value having experienced a stage that played such a significant role in the cultural, artistic, and theatrical development of Jamaica. The opportunity to perform during the final years of the Ward Theatre's operation remains a cherished part of my artistic history and a reminder of the rich legacy of Jamaican theatre.
Throughout every stage of my journey, theatre has remained more than a creative outlet—it has become an integral part of my identity. As an actress, educator, writer, and director, I have witnessed the power of performance to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the scenes, I remain committed to using storytelling as a means of connection, empowerment, and cultural expression.
My journey continues, guided by a belief that stories have the power to illuminate the human experience and that great performances can leave lasting impressions long after the curtain falls.
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