Panthers of ISKL #259: Ellen H. - The Performing Panther
"My dream's always been to be on Broadway or the West End because I'm extremely passionate about live performances - that's my number one dream."
Meet Ellen H. (‘28), who joined ISKL in Grade 3, and has flourished as a passionate actor and artist. Inspired by ISKL’s theater productions, her journey began with Annie Jr. and led to roles in The Great Gatsby and the IASAS short film Pages of Promise. She also loves reading, drawing, and crafting in her free time, reflecting her creativity and love for storytelling.
Here is Ellen’s story:
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Can you tell us more about yourself?
I'm Irish American (my dad is Irish, and my mom is from the United States), but I've spent the majority of my life here in Malaysia.
Before I came to ISKL in Grade 3, I lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for five years and in Norway for the first three years of my life.
What were your first days of school like?
I joined the school in Grade 3, so I don't remember much of the first few days but the anticipation. Before ISKL, I was going to a small Catholic school with little more than over 100 people. Moving from that to ISKL was a huge switch, but I was extremely excited.
My mom told me that after the first tour of the school, I asked if I could start a month early because I loved the school so much!
We understand you have been involved in many drama and film activities, such as IASAS Drama, and have starred in one of the IASAS short films. Please tell us more.
Yes! It's been such a joy to participate in both, and I'm so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of these productions (especially as a Grade 9 student, I understand that's rare). I was shocked when I was asked to act in an IASAS film, and honestly, I was a little bit scared—the director of the film "Pages of Promise," Tillie VDB. ('26) made the whole process easy and chill for everyone on set. She was extremely organized the entire time and is a very talented director. This was my first experience acting in a film of any kind, and it was pretty different than acting on stage, as you might imagine. It was strange because there was almost no preparation compared to the plays and musicals I've participated in. (Also, watching it in the theater and looking at myself acting was very difficult.
I'm equally grateful to be a part of IASAS Drama this year. Luckily, I know many of the people in it from The Great Gatsby HS production, and most of them I would consider very close friends. Everyone has been so welcoming and forgiving, which I appreciate immensely.
At first, when I auditioned for the IASAS drama, I was a bit worried. IASAS Drama alternates every year from devising to performing an already written play. Devising is an interactive and creative way of creating a plot and staging (and sometimes includes elements of improvisation). I was worried about this specifically because I had told myself I wasn't good at devising or improvisation, but it was such a surprise to me how much I enjoyed it. I realized that this was a non-judgment zone and that everyone would slip up at some point or some ideas wouldn't work. After I realized that, IASAS Drama became my favorite part of the days I had it.
Can you share how your passion for drama and film first started? Was there a specific moment, experience, or person that sparked your interest?
I think I've always been drawn to theater. From the very first year we got here, I've been watching every Middle School and High School drama production without fail. Specifically, the High School drama productions were the ones that inspired me the most in Middle School. The talent these people had amazed me (and let's be honest, I loved the costumes), but the starting point that led me to push myself and try out for theater was when I auditioned for the MS Musical Annie Jr. in Grade 7. I didn't get a lead, but I remember having a small speaking part - just one line - and I absolutely adored it! I realized I loved being on stage, even though it scared the bejesus out of me! From that moment forward, I would try out for every little drama show I could find and perform at every choir concert.
Can you tell us more about your other hobbies and interests?
I love to read. This is again connected to theater because, at its core, theater is storytelling, and so is writing; just like when watching a play or a musical, reading helps me forget about the real world for a bit so I can trouble myself with other, made-up people's problems.
I've also always loved to draw. It's been a big part of my life since I was little. I think I would consider it my first-ever hobby. You can ask anyone who knew me as a kid what I wanted to be when I grew up, and they would say: "an artist." I don't take any art classes because art is more of a personal hobby for me, but I still love it and hope to continue in the future. I also enjoy crafting and making my own jewelry!
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
Though this may not be possible, I want to be involved as much as I can art-wise. I want to take film, art, and pottery classes, continue learning more about theater and music, and eventually figure out what I love most and want to pursue later in life. If I had to pick right now, I would want to attend an acting school. My dream's always been to be on Broadway or the West End because I'm extremely passionate about live performances, so that's my number one dream. I also want to put out some of my own music. I have yet to start, but it's piqued my interest over the past few years, and I can't wait to try.
Who or what inspires you or has influenced you?
I've talked a lot about watching the past High School theater productions and how that's influenced me, but a person who has influenced me through theater is Mona B. ('27). She's a Grade 10 student this year, and I've watched her shine in Annie Jr., then in Shrek, and this year as Daisy in The Great Gatsby. I loved watching her act, and from the first time I saw her on stage in Annie Jr., I vividly remember hoping that I could be as great as her one day. Not only is she such an inspiration for me acting and singing-wise, but she's also just an inspiration as a person. She seriously does many activities inside and outside of school and still manages to be one of the friendliest people I know. She always has a smile on her face and always has something good to say about someone.
Most memorable moment at ISKL?
My most memorable moment in ISKL was rehearsing for The Great Gatsby. I know I should pick a specific day or moment to write about, but this entire process was very influential during my first year in High School. It was lovely to meet and hang around with higher-grade students and my classmates, whom I'd never met before and whom I would never have gotten the chance to meet if it wasn't for this play.
My favorite week of rehearsals was the last week when we did full runs of the show. It was stressful, but because of that stress, we all bonded together to overcome that tough week. I also specifically remember goofing off with some backstage managers and my co-stars right before opening night, getting all my nerves settled, and being hyped up for the show. It was a surreal experience but the best one I have ever had at ISKL.
What does "Know yourself, care for all, and create a better world" "mean to you?
For me, "know yourself" means knowing your limits, knowing how far you should push yourself, and making sure what you're doing is something you want to do. "Care for all" means making sure everyone is included and has a part. This is a pretty simple one, but it's very important.
Finally, I feel like "create a better world" means utilizing your strengths and abilities to fix problems for the world, you, and your close community.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.