Class of 2023: Eve Werdmuller Von Elgg

From starting their degree in lockdown to being cast in a play in Soho, Eve Werdmuller Von Elgg’s journey during their time at East 15 has been unforgettable.

Eve found the early days of studying BA Contemporary Theatre in 2020 difficult due to COVID restrictions. Zoom classes, social distancing and face masks made it all the more difficult for Eve, who is hard of hearing and relies on lip reading.

But they were able to excel regardless of the challenges, and went on to secure a coveted Laurence Olivier Bursary in 2022.

The bursary aims to provide financial support to some of the most talented drama students in the country.

“When shortlisted for the bursary by East 15 I had to perform two monologues at St. Martin's Theatre,” they said.

“It was such a surprise to be awarded the bursary, especially after taking a risk and performing a Romeo monologue as an AFAB (assigned female at birth) performer.

“It showed me that I didn't have to be anything other than myself.”

As part of their studies, Eve wrote a new play, How to Eat Dog, which featured at Debut Festival earlier this year.

Described as a dark comedy, twisted love story which focuses on a mental health survivor, the play won numerous awards and was recognised by a studio in London called Actors East, meaning it can transfer to multiple venues.

The play’s success led to Eve and friend Imogen Dowding forming the Eyes Wide Open Theatre, a company creating theatre for and with the local community about issues close to them.

Eve plans to build on the success of How to Eat Dog through the company once they have graduated.

They will combine their work alongside progressing their onstage career, which is set to take off after Eve was cast in a play set to run for four-weeks in the autumn at the Soho Theatre Upstairs.

Having set out wanting to train as an actor and develop their scriptwriting, Eve will look back on their time at East 15 fondly, having made numerous friends and learned to trust in their own abilities.

“Drama school is challenging. It’s trying and tiring, and you are exposed in front of people daily as a person and performer,” Eve added.

“But it teaches you a strange confidence and self-assurance, a perseverance and an ability to stand as you are as a person and actor.

“Not only do you learn from the process and tutors but being exposed to the range of skills and ideas present in the people around you.

“It's with those people in my group that I have all my fondest, most chaotic and wonderful memories. I feel I've made lifelong friends.”