Loughborough College graduate Payal Mistry has found herself performing in the West End show Life of Pi, five years after leaving Loughborough College.
Since leaving Loughborough College, Payal has been in a BFI funded short film called ‘Inertia’, directed by Mat Johns, which has been entered into multiple Oscar and BAFTA Qualifying Festivals and has won an award. She has also been on the country’s favourite soaps and has recently filmed for a part in BBC’s Call the Midwife.
Loughborough College introduced Payal to a trio of departments, Drama, Dance and Song, and she soon realised that they are seamlessly interwoven and all-encompassing.
Asked about her experience at Loughborough College, Payal said: “I learnt so much, especially the key foundations of performing arts.
“The tutors were absolutely lovely and they really helped build my confidence in all areas of the industry, especially when I was hesitant in the dancing and singing elements. It’s only in hindsight I’ve found how beneficial it was to train in all three mediums.
“Most importantly, there was a safe space to learn. It felt inclusive for everyone regardless of their gender, colour or creed and this made the duration of my time at Loughborough College super fun and experimental.”
Having had no creative up bringing or artistic opportunity, Payal was exposed to everything from performing Pantomime to Shakespeare, to intricate dances both on stage and in front of the lens.
She explained that she developed as a person as well as a performer and underestimated her capability of succeeding in the industry.
The Arts and Theatre industry was set in stone for Payal, as her lifetime career choice, when she studied her “immensely powerful and beautifully written” monologue in Shakespeare’s Richard III.
During the prolonged research and character-building element of acting, Payal was excited to collaborate with her friends and found a love for writing as well as acting, singing and dancing.
Payal had some parting words of wisdom for the students currently on the Performing Arts course at Loughborough College, and the students looking to be in the Arts industry, and said: “Be comfortable in your own discomfort. Believe in your goals and be daring; you will unlock so much potential through the things you hold yourself back from.
“Use every tool to your advantage, work hard and allow yourself to focus on the process, not the outcome.
“You will bring something new, unique and valuable so never compare yourself to others; be you!”