The U.S. Consulate General launched a new spotlight video today on Facebook and Instagram (@USConsulateHamilton) featuring Marcus ‘Tizzebra’ Smith, an LGBTQ+ Bermudian actor, dancer, model and content creator who excelled both academically and professionally while living in New York City.
In the video, Marcus shares what inspired him to apply and audition to attend New York University and the Tisch School of Arts where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Double Minor in Dance and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies in 2018. It was “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he says. He also highlights the many scholarships he received to support his education goals, in addition to obtaining the U.S. O-1 employment visa to further pursue his passion for the arts.
To support his undergraduate studies Marcus received several Bermuda-based scholarships which included funding from the Bermuda Arts Council, Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society (BMDS), Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Bermuda, and Bermuda National Dance Foundation. After graduating from NYU, he was approved for an O-1 visa, allowing him to pursue employment opportunities while residing in United States for a two-year period. The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant petition-based visa classification for individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, arts or athletics, or individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and televisions industries.
Marcus has graced the stages of some of New York’s most distinguished venues and has been featured in several music videos and film projects. In 2022, he was featured prominently in the official music video for ‘Trampoline’ with music by David Guetta, Afrojack and Missy Elliott.
Earlier this year, U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette welcomed Bermudian students accepted into U.S. colleges and universities and alumni of U.S. institutions invited to attend a special reception at her residence, and Marcus attended as a special guest. “Marcus has accomplished so much here in Bermuda and in the United States,” she said.
“Marcus expanded his U.S. university experience by successfully applying for U.S. O-1 visa to professionally showcase his broad talents. Applying for this visa is complex, so I commend him for pursuing the process and for continuing to share his gifts while advocating for the LGBTQ+ community,” she added.
To celebrate 2023 Bermuda Pride, Marcus will host Harbour Night Takeover on August 23 between 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Front Street as part of this year’s Homecoming themed lineup of events organized by OutBermuda. He will also perform at Bermuda Pride’s Glow Party at Pier 6, Drag Brunch at the Loren, and Party in the Park at Victoria Park following the Pride Parade.
Marcus will exercise his acting chops starring as Donkey in the upcoming rendition of Shrek with the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Bermuda October 5– 14. He has also been selected to choreograph the production of Newsies – based on the true story of the 1899 newsboys strike – at Saltus Grammar School in December.
This latest video supports the Consulate’s ongoing Study With “US” campaign, highlighting Bermudian students currently attending U.S. colleges and universities, as well as Bermudian alumni of U.S. institutions. The campaign reinforces the strong educational exchange ties between the United States and Bermuda and highlights accessible and affordable pathways to study in the United States.
#StudyWithUS provides information on paths to pursue higher education through EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network of over 430 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories and online at EducationUSA.gov. The network promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world, offers information about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States, and provides services to students and their families focused on topics including the admissions process, standardized testing requirements and how to finance a U.S. education. The U.S. Consulate can provide information about the student visa process and preparing for departure to the United States.
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