Ceri-Lyn Cissone
April 2009

In 2007 Ceri-Lyn applied to us to help her fund her training at the Royal Academy of Music. Just three years later, she is starring in The Rocky Horror Show as Janet.

"My dream has always been to be a Musical Theatre performer, however, on leaving high school I surrendered to a seemingly safer option of studying classical music, only to find I was unhappy and still pining for the dreams I had seemed to have forgotten. I auditioned in 2006 for BBC New Talent's "Search for a Musical Theatre Performer" and won a place at boot camp as one of 15 finalists. This gave me the confidence to believe that I could change route and, with help from the boot camp mentors, I won a place on the Post-Graduate course at the Royal Academy of Music, regardless of the fact I had no under-graduate degree.

Then came another obstacle - having already paid for my current course and living expenses I had no money saved in order to move to London or pay my fees. This is where the BBC Performing Arts Fund really saved my life. I filled in the online form and received a letter in the post inviting me to an audition day where I met hundreds of other applicants who were just like me - I no longer felt alone with the panic of tuition fees!

We queued nervously and awaited our sessions where we were put into groups of 15 and each sang part of our songs for the panel and for each other. There was no need to be nervous (although we all were) because the panel were so genuinely friendly and eager to support us.

Before we sang, we partook in a warm-up session and after a while, you came to forget the reason you were actually there! I just had fun performing and watching everyone else - I felt like I was learning so much just from seeing other people bring their own interpretations to so many popular songs.

In the afternoon we were each interviewed by the panel about what our hopes and dreams for the future were and what we needed in order for those dreams to materialize. It was so liberating because just talking about my plans made me feel like they could actually transpire.

A few weeks later I was lucky to hear that I had been awarded the money I needed in order to pay my fees for the year, but that I was also invited to a workshop with the other successful applicants where we were treated to master classes with industry professionals alongside performances by Sally-Ann Triplett and Sam Kenyon; performers who I already held amongst my Musical Theatre heroes.

It was such an inspirational day and really motivated me to work as hard as I could do ensure that I made the BBC Performing Arts Fund proud of their investment in my future. I made so many friends too - people I still keep in touch with and who have been so supportive and eager to share their experiences on the sometimes difficult career that is the theatre industry.

The mentors were brilliant too and have kept in touch all through my time at the Academy to check I was doing okay. They were there at my Christmas Concert, at my showcase where I signed with my present agent, and at my graduating show. It was almost like I had a new family looking out for me!

On the day of my graduation I had my final audition for Sam Buntrock's new version of "The Rocky Horror Show" and have been since touring Europe playing the role of Janet Weiss and having the absolute time of my life!

I could not have done any of this without the help and support of the BBC Performing Arts Fund and will be forever grateful.

I urge anybody in a similar position to apply for a grant and wish you the best of luck. "

Find out more about Ceri-Lyn at her official website
www.ceri-lyn-cissone.com