The Stage/Italia Conti scholarship winner 2022

The Stage Scholarship 2022 at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts has been awarded to Tolia Olivia Uwalaka. The 23-year-old from Watford impressed the adjudicators with her talent and understanding in auditions and this year commences training for the Trinity level 6, three-year diploma in Musical Theatre. On a full scholarship the award is valued in excess of £47,970.

“To be honest, I was completely shocked,” Tolia explains after hearing that she had won. “I never thought in a million years that I could win this. I actually heard about Italia Conti first because I used to watch [CBBC show] School for Stars when I was younger. I remember saying to my mum that I really wanted to audition for that place. It was out of the question at that time financially, but now it feels like I’ve come full-circle.”

Until starting at Italia Conti, Tolia was working as an admissions officer for a college. Aside from taking a few one-off classes, she had never undertaken any previous regular training, although both she and her family would go to the theatre to see musicals and pantomimes.

‘I didn’t dream that I would get a scholarship, so I had to take that leap of faith and just be brave’

“The closest I got to studying it was doing GCSE drama, but then I went on to do A levels and then I went to university and did a degree in philosophy and politics. During that period, I was doing amateur dramatics, but I wasn’t really having singing lessons and I wasn’t having dance lessons consistently.”

Andrew Waldron, one of the course leaders at Italia Conti, explains how Tolia made an excellent first-impression at the auditions. “Tolia stood out throughout the audition process and demonstrated a commitment and engagement in developing skills within musical theatre. There was great understanding of direction, taking on board suggestions and new ways of thinking while conveying good decision-making across all disciplines. Tolia has commenced training in our new purpose-built facilities in Woking and is thriving in the work that is being offered.”

Tolia began her training this year and is really enjoying the atmosphere at Italia Conti. What advice would she give others who might want to consider training?

“Just be brave. I went through so many different emotions when I was thinking of auditioning. I didn’t dream that I would get a scholarship, so I really had to just take that leap of faith for myself and just be brave. Be prepared, be true to yourself and go for it.”

For more information about Italia Conti, visit italiaconti.com