Ella Hampton, 11, will be performing in Walnut Street Theatre’s production of “Honk Jr.”
Cherry Hill 11-year-old actress Ella Hampton has performed in a variety of roles at the Walnut Street Theatre during her young career.
In her latest role, however, she’ll perform as three characters in one show.
Ella will be performing in Walnut Street Theatre’s production of “Honk! Jr.” Remaining show performances will be held on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8.
“Honk! Jr.” is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, “The Ugly Duckling.” In the show, an odd-looking duckling named Ugly is mocked for looking different than the other ducklings. As the show progresses, Ugly discovers how to embrace his differences.
Ella admitted she didn’t know much about the show prior to auditions, but she was able to learn a lot about the characters and the story during the summer.
“I didn’t know that much, but I was doing a camp at the Walnut Street Theatre and the other kids knew a lot about it,” Ella said.
Ella will play three characters in the show. She will perform as a duckling named Fluff, a froglet and a goose. Performing as three characters makes things a little challenging.
“The important thing is to keep in mind your character’s personality,” Ella said. “The ducklings are happy and so are the froglets. The geese are more serious.”
One of Ella’s favorite things about “Honk Jr.” is how the show is part of the Walnut Street Theatre for Kids series. The series consists mostly of musical adaptations of familiar childhood stories, and all of the performers are members of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre.
Ella said she knew only a few of the other members of the cast prior to the show, but she made a number of new friends during rehearsals.
“What I really like about the show is it’s performed by kids, so we all get along and we can talk about the other shows we’ve been in,” Ella said.
Walnut Street Theatre has helped Ella launch her young acting career. Ella began acting at the age of 5, when she auditioned to perform in the Walnut Street Theatre’s “Miss Saigon.” Ella played the role of Tam in the show. She went on to perform in Walnut Street Theater productions of “South Pacific” and “The King and I.”
Ella also attends Walnut Street Theatre’s summer program, Camp Walnut, a four-week theater training program for kids 8 to 18. Ella credits the program and her previous acting credits for allowing her to develop as an actress.
“The Walnut has done so much for me,” Ella said. “It teaches me so much, especially the camp. I’m getting more experience talking to adults and working with kids my age and older.”
In addition to musicals and theater, Ella has also performed in commercials for multiple companies, including The Franklin Institute. A sixth-grade student at Christ the King Regional School in Haddonfield, Ella plans to continue pursuing acting opportunities well into the future.
“I just have to keep auditioning and try to do the best I can,” Ella said. “Hopefully at one point, I can reach for Broadway.”
Performances of “Honk Jr.” are scheduled for Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 at 11 a.m. Tickets range from $15 to $18. Visit www.walnutstreettheatre.org to purchase tickets.
