Leonardo ``Leo`` Ebanks
Senior theatre major Leonardo “Leo” Ebanks is making the most of his last semester at Georgia State, signing off with a leading role in the university’s upcoming production of “Everybody.” Ebanks shares the nonlinear path that led him here and the leaps of faith that paid off along the way.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
You explored a few different avenues before entering Georgia State’s School of Film, Media & Theatre. Can you tell us a bit about that?
I got to Georgia State through a long journey. I grew up in Miami and then went to college in Tampa, Fla., where I earned a two-year degree in criminal justice. After my stint there, I enlisted in the Army and served as a medic for three years. I decided to take a leave and enrolled at San Diego State University until the pandemic happened. Then I moved closer to home and discovered Georgia State.
Why theatre?
Honestly, when I went to school for criminal justice or enlisted in the Army to be a medic, those were safe choices. It was like, “OK, I’ll be secure after this; I’ve got money.” But every time I got far in those places, it made me realize I didn’t want to stay there for 20 years. I wasn’t happy there. So, I made it my duty to try different things to see what I enjoy doing and what I love. That’s theatre.
Your concentration is in acting. Do you have any standout performance moments to share from your time here?
I’m doing the mainstage production this semester with Atlanta City Theatre [Georgia State’s resident theatre company]. It’s called “Everybody.” The Alliance Theatre just did it last year. I got one of the leads, so it’s going to be a fun, fun ride. It’s kind of like my first lead in a straight play.
Congratulations! What’s the play about?
“Everybody” is a concept piece, or a modern reimagining, inspired by the 15th-century morality play “Everyman.” It’s complicated, but put simply, the characters all lead happy, optimistic lives until one day they’re forced to confront death, analyze their time on Earth and question what they may have taken for granted. You can see the play Feb. 20-25 at Dahlberg Hall Theatre.
What about other extracurricular activities?
I’m a part of Infinite Appeal. It’s a student-led modeling group that came to campus 25 years ago. I’m the lead videographer for that. I never thought I’d be doing fashion-style video work, but it’s cool to widen my palette. It has helped me with connecting, networking and expanding my portfolio. I am also a student assistant for the video and photography team within Georgia State’s division of Public Relations and Marketing Communications.
What advice might you give other students whose educational journeys are unconventional?
I have to remind myself and would tell others to trust the journey and appreciate what you’re learning. There is a reason why I am here and why my path wasn’t linear or as traditional as everyone else’s. Right now, I’m moving by fate to try to just finish what I started.
