WINSTON-SALEM – One day you’re a student; the next, you’re a soap opera star.

It happened to Jennifer Ferrin, who graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts on May 31 and was signed to a three-year contract on CBS’s “As the World Turns” on June 5.

Ferrin will talk about her amazing adventure as the keynote speaker for the annual Family Weekend at NCSA, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Main Theatre of the ACE Exhibition Complex, School of Filmmaking. She will be joined by her parents, Linda and Tom Ferrin of Lawrenceville, Ga.

On May 11 and 12, graduating senior Jennifer Ferrin was in New York City for the School of Drama’s annual actor presentations with the Consortium of Conservatory Theatre Training Programs. She spent the next two weeks auditioning and interviewing with casting directors, managers and talent agents. On the last day she was there, she auditioned for ATWT. They flew her back to do a screen test on June 2, and called her at home on June 5 to tell her she had the part. She moved to New York on June 7, and starting taping the show on June 9. Her first appearance on the soap was July 9.

Ferrin plays the part of Jennifer Munson on “As the World Turns” (check out her cast bio at www.cbs.com/daytime/atwt/about/bios/jferrin.shtml). She has also appeared as Esther in “The Locket,” a Hallmark Hall of Fame telefilm, and guest starred on the 2002 season finale of “Dawson’s Creek.”

Parents and family members attending Family Weekend at NCSA will have a continental breakfast beginning at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, followed by a welcome and opening remarks by NCSA Chancellor Wade Hobgood and Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Anne White at 9:30 a.m.   School of Drama Dean Gerald Freedman will introduce the Ferrins at 9:45 a.m.   After the keynote address, family members will be able to attend various presentations and group discussions. The five arts schools will hold open houses for the families during the afternoon, and parents may have conferences with General Studies faculty members. Scheduled activities end at 5 p.m. Saturday.  On Saturday evening and Sunday, parents are encouraged to visit with their children and attend student performances.

Approximately 200 people have already signed up to attend NCSA’s Family Weekend, which is organized annually by the Division of Student Life.

Media: You are cordially invited to cover Jennifer Ferrin’s keynote address!  For more information, please contact Marla Carpenter at 336-770-3337 in the public relations office at NCSA. Please note: This is a ticketed event and is not open to the general public.

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