EHS senior selected as Triple Threat finalist

Edina High School (EHS) senior, Ella Dolynchuk, was recently named a 2019 Triple Threat finalist. Dolynchuk is among 26 finalists who have demonstrated exemplary performances in singing, dancing, acting, and leadership. The 2019 Triple Threat finalists will perform during the Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Showcase on June 10 and 11 at the State Theatre and four finalists will have the chance to receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York for the Spotlight Education Broadway experience.

This is the second year in a row that Dolynchuk has been named a Triple Threat finalist. She found out about the audition process through a friend and from the Spotlight team. To audition, students submit a portfolio that includes a resume, leadership essay, and a video showcasing their talent. “The Spotlight program has always been a big deal in the Edina thespian community, and the larger Minnesota theater scene,” said Dolynchuk. “As a student who hopes to pursue theater in the long haul, I jumped at the chance to work with such a fantastic group.”

Dolynchuk, who has been involved in seven main stage productions at EHS, was notified about her finalist standing during rehearsals for EHS Concert Choir Current Jam. “We were lining up to do our first tech rehearsal when I could feel my phone buzzing in my pocket and it all felt very surreal almost like a dream,” said Dolynchuk. “I was, of course, absolutely over the moon and so grateful to be a part of this wonderful program for a second time and to grow even more as an artist and student.”

Groups of finalists will perform two production numbers, with songs chosen from musicals that relate to an overlapping theme of the Spotlight Showcase. Each night, at the end of the Spotlight Showcase, two students will be selected for the Spotlight Education Broadway experience. The experience will give four finalists the chance to attend Broadway shows, meet with industry professionals, and participate in workshops to fine tune their Triple Threat skills.

Dolynchuk has also participated in stage productions such as Comedy Sportz, Senior May Term, 24 Hour Play Festival, and the MN Thespian All State Show. She plans to continue her passion for performing arts. “I will be pursuing my Bachelors of Music degree in Music Theater, so performing arts will continue to be a constant in my life,” said Dolynchuk. “I hope to make theater my primary occupation in some form – whether it is performing, teaching, directing, or creating.