Kai Cooper

I first took part in the Hastings Musical Festival at the age of 11 and it started out as just being a hobby and something I liked to do. The Hastings Musical Festival made me realise that I wanted to be a performer, entering into classes each year gave me a goal and motivated me even more to practice singing, acting and later dance. I loved the fact that I could perform as a solo entrant, in a duet, or as a group and this helped me form close friendships with the people I performed with. The feedback from the excellent adjudicators was always constructive and helpful as well as being insightful to learn from industry professionals. I have now started a 3 year Musical Theatre Degree course at the Emil Dale Academy, a triple threat musical theatre college based in Hitchin, which is incredible. The bursary awarded to me from the festival helped me pay the fees to attend the college, and continue my training. I would strongly recommend taking part in the Hastings Music Festival, it is such a friendly atmosphere and gives you something to work towards every year.