Llio Cynwal Graduates and begins professional journey

Llio Cynwal from Llandudno is celebrating great success in graduating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David with a Welsh medium degree in Performance, BA Perfformio. This milestone marks an exciting start to her journey as a professional performer.

Llio developed her passion for the stage from a young age, attending a performance school in Colwyn Bay and competing regularly at the Urdd Eisteddfod. Llio chose to study at UWTSD, because:

“The course was taught entirely through the medium of Welsh. Being able to study what I’m passionate about in my mother tongue really appealed to me. I also wanted to learn more and refine my craft before stepping into the professional world. I was eager to broaden my knowledge of the industry I wanted to enter, and also I intended to develop my creative skills.”

There have been several highlights during her time on the course, including performing a special version of Breuddwyd Noswyl Ifan, a Welsh adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream.  She has received a number of masterclasses from industry experts such as Teleri Hughes (Heathers, West End), Arwel Gruffydd and Gwenan Mair Jones (Theatr Clwyd), and Kevin McCurdy (Stage Combat).

She added: 

“I’ve made life-long friends during my time at UWTSD, and one of the highlights throughout the course was getting to grow as a person and performer in the company of my friends.” 

Llio said she has received continued support from her tutors.

“I felt like they were always there for me. Whenever I felt something was difficult or challenging I knew they were there to help, with excellent and constructive support and feedback. In fact they are still in touch now even after I have graduated, offering advice, support and directing me in the right direction in my career.”

Angharad Lee, BA Perfformio Programme Manager at the Welsh Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts, said:

“It was clear that Llio is an actress with a love for the physical side of performing, and one of the benefits of the structure of our modules here at WAVDA is that if you’re an actor who loves movement, there’s an opportunity to refine this craft almost every day. We work hard to find our students’ main strengths and foster them with confidence.”

Llio feels that the course

“really prepared me for the professional world I’m in. Not only by strengthening my practical and creative skills but also by opening my eyes and educating me about the technical and logical elements of industry such as finance, trade unions, agencies and more!”

After completing her course Llio was fortunate enough to get work from Cwmni Mega, and as a member of the ensemble in their pantomime ‘Brenin March’, she loves dancing, singing and portraying an energetic character within the dancing and singing ensemble. She feels that her time at the University has helped her build confidence and has taught her about how auditions work and how to communicate professionally within the industry.

After the pantomime period ends, Llio hopes to continue performing and apply to study for an MA course specialising in movement direction. 

Llio would recommend this course to anyone wishing to follow the same career path. She said: 

“The course is unique. This is the only graduate performance course where you study entirely through the medium of Welsh, and it is centrally located in Cardiff where there are many artistic and social opportunities.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476