With a supportive family behind her and goals in mind, Mayumi took the summer of her Sophomore year at Bard College (located upstate New York) to move to New York City and pursue her performing skills. She was accepted in the Alvin Ailey dance program, and some intense dance training and several auditions later, found her foot in the door with productions of Evita and My Fair Lady at The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Auburn, New York. Performing in these shows gave her great experience in the theatre world and led her to realize she could pursue the art of performance as a living. Mayumi decided to stay in NYC so that she could continue to audition and simultaneously finish her schooling. She was ecstatic to find out that she was accepted into Columbia University as a transfer student.
In 2001, Mayumi landed the pre-Broadway production of Flower Drum Song as part of the ensemble. As the show was being performed at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, Mayumi was forced to make a decision on whether or not to leave school mid-semester. Fortunately, her professors were kind enough to allow her to finish the semester via e-mail (meaning she had no free time to enjoy the sun in L.A., but it was worth it). Following the conclusion of her run in the production, she returned to Columbia University, pursuing a degree in Sociology while continuing to perform and exert her artistic talents. Her credits at Columbia include choreographing the musical How To Succeed In Show Business Without Really Trying, as well as a part in A Chorus Line and numerous dance projects.
In June of 2002, a chance open casting call for Aida led Mayumi, in a roundabout way, to win the role of "Alexi Darling and Others" in Jonathan Larson's hit musical, RENT. The role marked her Broadway debut, and allowed her to spread her wings even more in the world of New York theatre. Her participation in such events included 2002's NFL kick-off in Times Square, and New York City's Bryant Park summer series, "Broadway In The Park." As part of the RENT cast, she has appeared on national television for ABC's "Good Morning America" and has lent her dancing talents to the 2003 Gypsy of the Year Awards where she performed in the opening number of the event, working with the legendary Billy Porter. In 2004, Mayumi became a proud Columbia graduate, continuing to perform in RENT while keeping busy within the Broadway community. In October of 2006, Mayumi teamed up with RITA Project founder Kim Strouse to organize a benefit concert for those affected by suicide. Performers included friends and castmates from RENT as well as talents from such hit shows as The Altar Boyz, Chicago and Wicked.
