Chumisa Dornford-May, Recipient of the Elaine Paige Scholarship for Musical Theatre 2022/23

“I cannot begin to explain how grateful I am for the Scholarship support that I have received. What a time it’s been. The first year is learning the skills you need to be a performer, and the second year is applying them in the most challenging, unexpected and exciting ways. We’ve worked on bold choices, emotional and vocal extremes, belting and so much more which has visibly transformed every single student in my year. The third year is working exclusively on public productions. I was intensely terrified, yes, but I’m also confidently approaching a year I knew I was prepared for. None of this would have been possible without my scholarship and I find myself at a loss of words, when attempting to explain the extent of my gratitude. All I can do is attempt to put all the hard work in and do my best every day. Now that I have started working in the cast of Aspects of Love, I am even more grateful to Mountview and to my training now that I can truly see how well they prepare their students for professional life. And of course, to Elaine Paige for making my time at Mountview possible through her Scholarship support! I have felt so supported and cannot begin to explain. I truly have been and continue to be living the dream.”