Student Spotlight: Ella Hadley
For 15-year-old Ella Hadley, joining Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts was about more than becoming a better performer—it’s where she discovered her voice, her confidence and a tight-knit community that now feels like family.
Ella’s story began in 2022 as a 7th grader when she joined the Quarter Notes, a selective group of middle school performers who meet weekly to build essential skills in singing, dancing and ensemble performance. That early training became her springboard. Since then, she’s blossomed into a vibrant presence, moving up to the high-school ensemble Four Counts and staying active year-round through camps, shows and volunteer opportunities.
From the energy of Take It From The Top summer intensives to taking the stage in pre-professional productions like Mean Girls (2024) and Hairspray (2025), Ella has embraced every chance to grow. Her commitment is clear: she participates by immersing herself.
“I love the energy the people watching give back to you,” Ella shares about her favorite experiences in the Four Counts parades. “Those moments remind me why I love performing—and why this program feels like a second home.”
That sense of home comes from more than the spotlight. It’s the friendships she’s built, especially in the Four Counts, that keep her grounded and inspired. “The friends I’ve made in that group—I know they’ll last a long time, even throughout our professional careers.”
Over the years, Ella has evolved into a well-rounded artist. But she’ll be the first to say her growth goes far beyond performance technique.
“This program has taught me more than just how to perform. I’ve learned how to prepare for auditions, how to stand out—and most of all, how to have fun while doing your job as a performer.”
She naturally shines in singing and dancing, but acting is where she’s most excited to keep growing.
“It’s something I really have to work at, but I’m motivated to keep improving.”
For Ella, the arts have always been about self-expression. It’s less about the applause and more about authenticity.
“Theater has always been a safe space for me to just be myself,” she says. “It’s helped my confidence skyrocket; I’ve become so much more comfortable on stage.”
Whether she’s on stage, in the classroom or volunteering behind the scenes, Ella continues to evolve, both as a performer and as a person who lifts others up while following her own passion.
Her journey is far from over—with every step, she’s proving that confidence isn’t just something you find on stage. It’s something you build, one rehearsal, one friendship, one performance at a time.
To learn more about Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts.