Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Bulka
Gabriela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! Thanks so much for having me—I’m really excited to share my story!
So, a little about me—I’m originally from Kraków, Poland, but in 2023, I made the big move to Knoxville. I’m an actress, dancer, choreographer, and, when I have the time, a recreational baker. 😊
The stage has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started ballet when I was really young, and performing quickly became my greatest passion. It just felt like home. (Is that too cheesy? [laughs])
But despite my love for the arts, I initially chose a completely different path—I studied law. I earned a degree in Intellectual Property and New Media Law at Jagiellonian University, convincing myself that it was the right choice. But midway through my studies, during an internship at a law firm, I felt… off. Something was missing. That creative spark, the joy of performing—it wasn’t there. And I knew I couldn’t ignore it.
So, I took a leap of faith. What was supposed to be a short, three-month training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York turned into something much bigger—a journey that’s still unfolding. I ended up completing the Two-Year Conservatory program there, and that same passion for storytelling pushed me to pursue my MFA in Acting at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Now, I also perform at The Clarence Brown Theatre, a fantastic regional theater on the UTK campus.
Beyond acting, I’ve worked as a movement director and producer. I was the movement director for Hamlet Split Apart at The Flea Theater in New York and for Charlie, an Off-Broadway production at The Lab Theatre, which I also co-produced. On the film side, I produced Cortado, a short film that’s been winning awards at festivals across the U.S.—which has been such an incredible experience!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that dreams are meant to be chased—no matter what anyone else says. My adventure is just beginning, and I have so many dreams ahead of me. I truly believe that if you have the courage to go after what you love, nothing is impossible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, not at all—it’s been a journey filled with challenges, risks, and plenty moments of doubt.
Leaving behind the security of a law career to pursue acting was definitely a leap of faith—especially after spending so long convincing myself that I was on the ‘right path.’ I had everything planned out: three months in New York for training, then back to law school, and a year-long exchange program in Italy
Moving to the U.S. was both exciting and overwhelming. Life as an immigrant is never easy, and only people who’ve been through it really understand the struggles. New York is already a tough city to build a life in, and on top of that, I was thousands of miles away from my family, trying to adapt to a new culture, and navigating visa challenges—just to name a few things!
And then there were the personal hurdles—the pressure to succeed, the uncertainty of an artistic career, the inevitable moments of doubt. But looking back, I can honestly say that every challenge made me stronger. Every setback shaped me into the artist I am today. And despite the tough moments, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
And honestly? The journey never really ends. Being an artist means constantly learning, evolving, and questioning yourself. But that’s not just for artists—that’s life. We all have moments of doubt, moments where we wonder if we’re on the right path. But I’ve learned that it’s in those moments of uncertainty that we grow the most. That’s when we push forward, take risks, and create something truly meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most recently, I had the absolute joy of playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in Knoxville’s beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. It’s been such a beautiful journey and truly a gift to share this timeless story of redemption. Getting to perform alongside Jed Diamond—who has played Ebenezer Scrooge so many times and holds this story so close to his heart—made it even more special. This role gave me the chance to draw from my ballet background and my faith, which really helped me shape the character in a unique way.
Some of my other stage credits include playing Jessie in Cry It Out and a previous production of A Christmas Carol, where I took on the roles of Mercy Miggot and Mrs. Cratchit.
And coming up this spring—I couldn’t be more excited to dive into the absolute madness of The Play That Goes Wrong, directed by Hunter Foster. If you’re in Knoxville, you have to come see this show! It’s completely chaotic, ridiculously funny, and will be such a blast to perform. Tickets are available now, so grab yours before they’re gone!
How do you think about happiness?
It may sound a bit cliché, but it’s the small things that truly make me happy. A sunny day with clear blue skies, family dinners where everyone’s talking over each other and being too loud, cozy movie nights with my mom, getting a little weird with my friends, spending an afternoon in a café reading a book and people-watching—it’s those moments that fill me up. I also love going to Sunday Mass and finding peace in that time. Helping others always brings me joy too. And of course, performing—there’s something magical about stepping into a different world for a few hours, becoming part of the story, and losing myself in the play. It’s in those moments I feel truly alive. How crazy that this is my life, that I, hopefully, will get to do this forever!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clarencebrowntheatre.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ga_bulka
- Other: https://gabrielabulka.wixsite.com/actor
Image Credits
MAKE SURE TO CREDIT THOSE PICTURES AS FOLLOWS
Personal photo: Liz Aaron
Additional photos: 1. Gabriela as Jessie in “Cry It Out” dir. Jessica Holt, TheLab Clarence Brown Theatre, photo by Ella Marston
2. Gabriela as The Ghost of Christmas Past in “A Christmas Carol” 2024 dir. Patrick Lanczki, Clarence Brown Theatre, photo by Rachel Clift
3. Gabriela Bulka (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Jed Diamond (Scrooge), Isla Burdette Cortez (Forgiveness), JT Kelly (Remembrance) photo by Rachel Clift
4. Gabriela as Mrs. Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol” 2023 dir. P. Lanczki, CBT, photo by Rachel Clift
5. Gabriela Bulka (Jessie), Develyn Jayan (Lina) in “Cry It Out” dir. J. Holt, photo by Ella Marston
