Ella Kenny ’25, a vibrant and passionate B.F.A. acting student who transferred to the University of Rhode Island from Southern California in search of a place that felt like home. With a deep love for the ocean, an unshakable dedication to the arts, and an infectious enthusiasm for life on and off stage, she has embraced every opportunity URI has offered with open arms and an open heart.
What made you choose to come to URI?
When I was looking to transfer, URI had everything I could’ve wanted and more! It has a B.F.A. program for Acting, it’s Division 1 sports school, has a very active student body, and it’s located in just the most beautiful place. Growing up in Southern California, I was practically one with the ocean to the point where my dad would call me “Ariel”, so when I transferred, I knew I had to trade the majestic mountains for my homely waves. Honestly, URI seemed to be too good to be true with everything it had to offer me on top of the prime location, but when I got here, I realized that dreams do come true and mine came packaged in Keaney blue.
What has been one of your favorite memories from URI?
There’s too many to count! URI has given me so many opportunities and each one holds a special place in my heart, but I think most of my fondest memories were made in the Fine Arts Center. The majority of those taking place after a long rehearsal or a tech weekend, cramped into the stage manager’s office talking about life and laughing with my best friends, slightly delirious from the little sleep, late hours, and probably a concerning the amount of caffeine.
What is the best thing you have learned while being at URI?
URI has taught me so much, both in the classroom and out, but I think the best thing I’ve learned during my time here is to say yes to everything, take that scary leap, and trust yourself. It’s incredibly easy to say no to things that you’re not 100% sure about, but where’s the fun in that?! Taking a chance is scary. I mean, when I decided to transfer, that was probably the scariest leap of faith I’ve taken, but was the most rewarding decision that I’ve made for myself. URI has taught me to trust myself that I have what it takes to get through whatever life throws at me, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Why did you choose your major?
I think my parents would have called it that I would get my B.F.A. in acting when I was 3 years old. Performing has always been a raging passion of mine, from the moment I made my stage debut in my first grade production of “The Little Red Hen” as Puppy #2, I knew that this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I get such a rush from playing pretend and getting to connect with audiences in ways that can only really happen in the theatre. The theatre is truly a magical place, and is genuinely for everyone. Not to be that theatre kid, but everyone has something to learn from theatre. Whether you’re on stage or off, the theatre has something to offer everyone, and has taught me so much about myself and life. So when it was time for college, the orchestra started playing, and I knew that was my cue to walk on to Will Theatre’s stage.
What are your post graduation plans?
My post graduation plans are to stay local and audition in state as well as in Boston and NYC! My time in Rhode Island is definitely not over, plus it’s so conveniently nestled in between two major acting cities, that’s a no-brainer for me. I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for me, and whatever it is, I know I’ll be ready because of everything URI has taught me in the past 3 years.