Sreya Chenilath

The application was simple and accessible, and I was immensely grateful for the

genuine care and attention shown throughout. They were communicative and

understanding in a way I had rarely experienced; other organisations often never

even replied. The thought-provoking yet straightforward questions asked during

the process became an important reflection for me as I prepared to enter training.

At the time, I was in urgent need, and without their timely support in organising

accommodation in London, the transformative first year of training I have just

experienced would not have been possible. The £500 award went towards my

flat deposit, which allowed me to move close enough to Guildhall. Relocating

was vital in enabling me to fully commit to the rigorous hours of training.

It also gave me the privilege of immersing myself in London’s wider artistic landscape-from theatres to exhibitions-which has enriched my growth and contributed deeply to my studies.

I was amazed to learn that the trust also offered mentorship. It felt almost unreal to gain such an opportunity solely by sharing my passion and ambitions. Meeting my unendingly generous and talented mentor has been the most invaluable part of the award. To connect with someone so accomplished, intelligent, and creative-who had walked a similar path into acting-was steadying and ceaselessly inspiring. I came away from every meeting buzzing to create something new, to stretch even further. Her wisdom, as someone who had been through training and now works in the industry, helped shift my perspective. She reminded me that my struggles in training were not the whole of my life, and that what I brought from outside it mattered just as much. Most importantly, being introduced to such a powerful yet down-to-earth woman-who, like me, is a woman of colour-was a gift. We share many contexts, thought patterns, and experiences, and just as many enlightening differences. She galvanised me to bring my whole self to my training and to see all the parts of me as a source of empowerment.