Bria Samone Henderson got her first big break straight out of graduate school.

Getting to play on such a big stage was a heady and thrilling experience for Henderson.

“That was my first gig that I booked.

Bria Henderson wearing a blue robe

And, honestly, I still can’t believe that happened,” she told The List.

Even better, working alongside a cast of experienced and well-respected actors was a fantastic learning experience for Henderson.

“The whole time there, I’m like, ‘is this really real?'”

Bria Henderson in yellow dress

“It was very intimidating.

I had to do a lot of research, which I love,” she said.

Over time, she came to see her famous co-stars as a source of inspiration, rather than intimidation.

Bria Henderson in a black dress

But Nash didn’t just tell Henderson what to do she led by example.