From East Sussex College to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK: Tayris Mongardi’s Journey

East Sussex College is celebrating the incredible success of Tyler Chambers, better known on stage as Tayris Mongardi, a former Acting and Performing Arts student now dazzling audiences on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 7.

Tayris has captivated viewers of the hugely popular BBC show with their charisma, creativity, and performance skills. In just the first few episodes, Tayris has showcased the talent and dedication that began to flourish during their time at East Sussex College.

Their journey from college stages to one of the world’s biggest drag platforms is an inspiring story for current students dreaming of a career in the performing arts.

Reflecting on their time at college, Tayris said: “Truly, I feel like my favourite memories during my time at ESC was the unity and creative process of my peers and I. In an industry like this, it's rare you’re given the opportunity to repeatedly collaborate, conceptualise and create work with a recurring company. So not only getting to challenge myself as a performer but additionally as a company of my class over the two years and learning the unique ways in which we each curate and present work really allowed me to highlight my strengths and my fellow actors. Many of whom, I might add, are still close friends of mine a decade on!”

They added: “I learnt so much about my own perception and perspective as an artist, which I've been able to translate in so many ways. I was given opportunities to not only further blossom my existing skills, but to dive into unfamiliar styles of practice that I would soon become adept at. So much of what I do is self-driven and created, and being a student of Andrew Stanley and ESC very much solidified my processes.”

Tayris’ performing arts training became the foundation for their drag career. “I started drag in 2016, shortly after leaving ESC. Theatre as an industry is inherently a queer hub, and I wanted to explore nuanced ways to celebrate my queerness, blackness and working class identity as a performer and a human being. Admittedly, I started watching Drag Race US Season 7 as it aired in 2015 during my final months at ESC. I began to drag myself the following year, and to see myself now on Drag Race UK Series 7 feels so serendipitous! I was familiar with drag in many ways and had often dipped my toe in (such as playing Widow Twankey in a production of Aladdin at ESC), and so I couldn't help but dive in the deep end.”

They credit their college experience for shaping their craft and professionalism: “It has been a major foundation and building block in my practice. Firstly, my training and ability to act, sing and dance has benefitted me greatly. Whether it's cabaret sets, stage productions or screenwork, the improv nature of emceeing and more, my background in performing arts has been instrumental to my success truly! Plus, it's given me an understanding of business acumen and professionalism - people remember your ethics and presence offstage just as much as on!”

Being selected for RuPaul’s Drag Race UK was a moment Tayris will never forget: “[Finding out I’d been selected for RuPaul’s Drag Race was]...nothing short of fulfilling. When I started drag, Drag Race UK hadn't even been commissioned yet, and I went into this industry for the love of performance and queer culture, to be gifted a golden ticket to celebrate that on an international platform has been a dream come true. I knew it was something I deserved, but I am also very aware it is a privileged opportunity that so many do not get to have gifted, and so it has meant the world.”

When asked about the most exciting or surreal part of the experience, Tayris shared: “The fan response! I was very familiar with the fanbase having been a long time fan of the show myself, but being the person people are responding to feels so out of body at times. And trust, if I wasn't a big enough fan of the show before, I'm even more so now I'm on it.”

Finally, Tayris offered heartfelt advice for current Performing Arts students pursuing creative paths: “Give yourself the pause and kindness when needed, because that is when you will most creatively flourish. I remember entering the industry as a young adult, and being so dismayed from the jump. I applied for drama schools but didn't manage to secure a place anywhere, and so initially I took it as a testament that I am not or could not ever be good enough. However, the same desire and love for the arts that got me to apply to those places pushed me to continue being creative, which is why I sunk my teeth into drag as it offered more artistic autonomy, freedom and hustle! And now after a 9-year career of performance in and out of drag, I have had so many opportunities to showcase my passion!

“From international shows in Cairo, Vilnius, Oslo and more, to television appearance, stage work, MUA hires, my resume has exceeded my own expectations. To think, my first pantomime role was at ESC and this year I will be headlining Snow White in the West End. All these things have only been possible because even in the times where I wasn't sure I had the worth, I knew I owed it to myself to pursue what I love. So to any upcoming performers, I would say do what you do with love, verve, professionalism and fire, because things that are meant to be yours will come to you!”

East Sussex College is thrilled to see Tayris Mongardi achieving success on an international stage, and their story continues to inspire the next generation of performers.

If you’re passionate about performing and want to see where your talent could take you, come and explore East Sussex College’s incredible Performing Arts spaces at this week’s Open Events.

Join us in Lewes on Tuesday 13th October, visit our Eastbourne campus on Wednesday 14th, or head to Hastings on Thursday 15th. Click here.