Spotlight On: Ella Ullman

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Ella Ullman who is portraying Kaylee in our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

My name is Ella Ullman, and I am a junior in high school.

 

What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?

I was drawn to Kaylee because she felt different from the roles I’ve played before, which made her exciting to explore.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

To me, performing “Love Thy Neighbor” and learning the dance and song with the cast made me feel incredibly connected to my castmates and helped me open up more than I had before.

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

“Love Thy Neighbor”, because it’s so fun, upbeat, and carries such a powerful message for the audience.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

I approached this character by tapping into my own femininity, but I also focused on what sets Kaylee apart from me so I could fully understand and embody her.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

My favorite pre-show ritual is sitting and doing my hair and makeup with headphones in, it gives me time to go over my lines and mentally prepare for what’s ahead.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

My advice to anyone who wants to try theatre but feels afraid is to have faith, be courageous, and just go for it. If people are coming to watch a show, they want to see you perform and be yourself.

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

With my high school prom coming up, I’ve been channeling that excitement into “The Prom”. 

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

For a long time, I struggled with confidence and speaking my mind both on and off stage. This show has really connected with me by teaching me to fully accept myself and not be afraid of the world, but instead to jump right into it.

 

 

“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety

 

“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.”  —  JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh

 

“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” —  JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse