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Ella Fornof

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Dance
  • Acting And Theater
  • Singing
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  • Music
  • Animals
  • Comics
  • Reading
  • French
  • Dungeons And Dragons
  • Movies And Film
  • Tap Dancing
  • Ballet
  • Television
  • Concerts
  • Photography and Photo Editing
  • Spending Time With Friends and Family

Reading

  • Mystery
  • Fantasy
  • Adventure
  • Folk Tales
  • Magical Realism
  • Plays
  • Folklore
  • Horror
  • Science Fiction
  • Music

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

At an early age I started performing in dance, band and acting. Then freshman year I began studying all forms of backstage and theater tech. I became the Stage Crew leader and teacher as well as our Masque Club’s Technical Director in junior year. That same year I volunteered at the Spokane Civic Theater as a Light Board Operator which turned into a paying job and qualified for Thespys Nationals with my lighting design for a realized play. I am now pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Lighting Design at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). When looking at a stage, the first thing you notice is the lights. It feels like a glowing beacon in the darkness, drawing your eyes closer. Despite this, most people don’t really think about them. They’re a subtle mix of technology that easily gets overlooked and I’ve been told by audience members that the lights seem to happen by magic. To some, that could make it feel as if the countless hours put into designing, hanging, and programming aren’t being recognized. I believe getting told that is the best recognition though. It means the audience isn’t thinking about what I am doing, instead they are fully immersed in the story on stage imagining themselves in a matching time period and feeling the same emotions as the characters. That is the magic of theater and the beauty of lights. That genuine sensation of energy coming from the lights and colors spreading to the audience is what inspires me to design. I can’t wait to learn more and share it with the world.

Education

California Institute of the Arts

Bachelor's degree program

2021 – 2025

Majors:
  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

North Central High School

High School

2017 – 2021

Miscellaneous

Medical school interest:
No
Test scores:
  • SAT1300

Career

  • Stagehand, Light and Sound board Operator

    Arts · North Central High School

    Jan 2017 – Jan 2021

  • Theater Lighting Electrician, Programmer, Designer

    Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing · California Institute of the Arts

    Jan 2021 – Present

  • Light Board Operator

    Arts · Spokane Civic Theater

    Jan 2019 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Design
Dream career goals:
Designer/Technical Director, ranging from Broadway to Amusement parks, concerts or museums
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Philanthropy
WCEJ Thornton Foundation Music & Art Scholarship
When looking at a stage, the first thing you notice is the lights. It feels like a glowing beacon in the darkness, drawing your eyes closer. Despite this, most people don’t really think about them. They’re a subtle mix of technology that easily gets overlooked and I’ve been told by audience members that the lights seem to happen by magic. To some, that could make it feel as if the countless hours put into designing, hanging, and programming aren’t being recognized. I believe getting told that is the best recognition though. It means the audience isn’t thinking about what I am doing, instead they are fully immersed in the story on stage imagining themselves in a matching time period and feeling the same emotions as the characters. That is the magic of theater and the beauty of lights. That genuine sensation of energy coming from the lights and colors spreading to the audience is what inspires me to design. While light may not be a physical medium like paint or watercolor, it still captures intense feelings and stories as any good art does. Whether I end up designing theater on Broadway, dance shows, or for an exciting new amusement park, my plan is to inspire others. Attending an event live is not just seeing a show, but being a part of an experience. Often thought to simply distract from reality, a truly good show leaves you reevaluating the reality you already know. To be able to skillfully use my medium to not only teach but remind them they have a voice. I can put a spotlight on those minorities society prefers to hide in the dark, providing a platform to speak their own truths. To change the narrators of art to be the diverse communities; without the backstabbing money trails, whitewashing, or pay gaps. While my main achievable goal is to show others to follow their dreams no matter what life throws at them, the best positive impact I could hope to give to the world through my art is to change the focus. By lighting minority casts, supporting events with powerful messages, and working with other diverse artists, I hope to spread as much positivity and acceptance to the world as possible.
William M. DeSantis Sr. Scholarship
My dad became legally blind from his Type 1 Diabetes. When I was little, he would teach me all about blood sugar and how he handled his sight. I stayed close to him, holding his hand to help guide him around objects and carrying extra glucose tablets in my backpack. I found myself constantly on guard for the unexpected, extra cautious in case of a sudden fire or wayward driver. It wasn’t enough to prepare me for what was to come though. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney disease, which progressed into Stage 5. It was a harsh reminder that nothing in life is promised. At the time, I panicked. I wanted to learn how to help him as I had before, but it was out of my control. Feeling distraught, I wanted to miss events to spend time with him. Instead, my dad told me to go and enjoy myself, not to miss out on my commitments. It was a simple selfless act; he wanted me to keep living my life. I took that to heart and did my best to move forward. I learned the most important life lesson, that I couldn’t control what life will throw at me, but I can still manage my response and motivation. I continued to help whenever possible, until September 2021, when he passed away from COVID only a week after I started college. This experience, while horrible, has only made me stronger and more determined. To work hard and improve people’s lives while we’re here because you never know how long it’ll last. To just make the most of it and give it your all. Life is full of challenges to learn from, but in his honor and for myself, I work to live life as wholeheartedly as I can- to channel my discipline into the art of performing and following my dreams. I will move forward one day at a time, using this lesson as the biggest motivation to spread hope and joy in my art; those that can be so hard to find in today’s society are the most important. To build incredible stories, teach, and give it my all, discovering my true strength is being able to get back up and still being able to make others smile despite it all. I am stronger because I have to be, to make him proud, support my family, and follow my dreams. By doing this I know I can spread light, as I wish to inspire others to follow their heart no matter what they’re dealt in life, just as my dad taught me.
Bold Art Matters Scholarship
My favorite art piece is “Can’t Help Myself” by Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, showcasing a robot constantly bleeding and trying to clean up the blood, keeping it within specific parameters with frantic motions and almost even a personality. Made in 2016, this piece evokes an immediate emotional response as the robot is practically calling out for help, but within this dark beauty is a much deeper statement on controlled environments and consumerism that unfortunately becomes more prevalent in our own lives everyday. To begin with, the mechanical arm appears to be very smooth and shiny, similar to the floor and walls around it. Without the blood and movements, it would appear almost calming, a perfect invulnerable machine in a clean white room. Yet in its full glory, we see its injury pooling out from under the façade and even the blood itself appears smooth before being scraped back. This shows that nothing is ever as ‘invulnerable’ as we think, least of all ourselves. The lies are hidden in the man made, through our creations and technology we simply see reflections of ourselves. In our society we are encouraged, even praised, to overwork ourselves, often with little gain and detrimental aspects to our health. Capitalism and consumerism instill an endless cycle of working until we retire or die, whichever comes first. This is the reflection of myself I see most prominent in this art piece, hardly different from this machine working tirelessly as programmed. As the museum curator Xiaoyu Weng questioned, “In this case, who is more vulnerable: the human who built the machine or the machine who is controlled by a human?” I could never have enough good to say about this hauntingly beautiful art piece, but most importantly, it inspires change. This isn’t how we should end up.
Bold Wise Words Scholarship
“You can do anything you put your mind to.” A phrase my dad instilled in me since I can remember, but only recently I have started to truly believe it. The mind is a very powerful tool, with enough believing it can turn symptoms you read on the internet into a very real sickness. It’s the same reason why mental health issues can cause physical problems, such as anxiety forming into panic attacks. Our minds can hold us back from every little thing with just the power of ‘belief.’ Many people tell us our body can do the same, but most physical disabilities only hold people back because society doesn’t accommodate properly to give them an even chance. My father was blind with Type 1 diabetes and Kidney disease before he passed last September from COVID. Despite all of these physical disadvantages, he never let that stop him from doing anything. Actually, everyone thought it was pretty entertaining that a blind man would be able to give the best directions around town, knowing what street we were on before we could read the sign. Mentally, he believed he could do everything, so he used that determination and optimism to work hard until it was achieved. I always thought the phrase was kind of corny, just a nice little thing to tell your daughter that didn’t actually mean much. Now that he’s passed, I understand it to be so much deeper than just the power of ‘belief.’ It’s using that belief as an undeniable motivation to work hard until you achieve the goal, it doesn’t just happen. The wisest thing I have ever heard, and will continue to tell myself my whole life as I follow my dreams to make him proud.
Bold Goals Scholarship
Currently I am studying at The California Institute of the Arts pursuing a BFA in Lighting Design, with the goal to build worlds that bring people together. Whether I end up designing theater on Broadway, dance shows, or for an exciting new amusement park, my goal is to inspire others. Attending an event live is not just seeing a show, but being a part of an experience. Often thought to simply distract from reality, a truly good show leaves you reevaluating the reality you already know. Being able to skillfully use my medium to not only teach but remind them they have a voice. I can put a spotlight on those minorities society prefers to hide in the dark, providing a place to speak their own truths. When looking at a stage, the first thing you notice is the lights. It feels like a glowing beacon in the darkness, drawing your eyes closer. Despite this, most people don’t think about them. They’re a subtle mix of technology that easily gets overlooked and I’ve been told by audience members that the lights seem to happen by magic. To some, that could make it feel as if the countless hours put into it aren’t being recognized. I believe getting told that is the best recognition though. It means the audience isn’t thinking about what I am doing, instead they are fully immersed in the story on stage imagining themselves in a matching time period and feeling the same emotions as the characters. That is the magic of theater and the beauty of lights. That genuine sensation of energy spreading to the audience is what inspires me to design. I only hope to achieve my goal to be able to express this honest passion and inspire change for the better through my shows.
Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship
My dad became legally blind from his Type 1 Diabetes. When I was little, he would teach me all about blood sugar and how he handled his sight. I stayed close to him, holding his hand to help guide him around objects and carrying extra glucose tablets in my backpack. I found myself constantly on guard for the unexpected, extra cautious in case of a sudden fire or wayward driver. It wasn’t enough to prepare me for what was to come though. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney disease, which progressed into Stage 5. It was a harsh perspective change that nothing in life is promised. At the time, I panicked. I wanted to learn how to help him as I had before, but it was out of my control. Feeling distraught, I wanted to miss events to spend time with him. Instead, my dad told me to go and enjoy myself, not to miss out on my commitments. It was a simple selfless act; he wanted me to keep living my life. I took that to heart and did my best to move forward. I learned I couldn’t control what life will throw at me, but I can still manage my response and motivation. I continued to help whenever possible, until September 2021, when he passed away from COVID only a week after I started college. Life is full of challenges to learn from, but in his honor and for myself, I work to live life as wholeheartedly as I can- to channel my motivation and discipline into the art of performing and following my dreams. By doing this I know I can spread light, as I wish to inspire others to follow their heart no matter what they’re dealt in life.
Bold Persistence Scholarship
My dad became legally blind from his Type 1 Diabetes. When I was little, he would teach me about blood sugar and how he handled his sight. I stayed close to him, holding his hand to help guide him around objects and carrying extra glucose tablets in my backpack. I found myself constantly on guard for the unexpected, extra cautious in case of a sudden fire or wayward driver. It wasn’t enough to prepare me for what was to come though. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney disease, which progressed into Stage 5. It was a harsh reminder that nothing in life is promised. At the time, I panicked. I wanted to learn how to help him as I had before, but it was out of my control. Feeling distraught, I wanted to miss events to spend time with him. Instead, my dad told me to go and enjoy myself, not to miss out on my commitments. It was a simple selfless act; he wanted me to keep living my life. I took that to heart and did my best to persist one day at a time. I learned I couldn’t control what life will throw at me, but I can still manage my response and motivation. I continued to help whenever possible, until September 2021, when he passed away from COVID only a week after I started college. The biggest obstacle in my life, but in his honor and for myself, I constantly use persistence to live life as wholeheartedly as I can- to channel my motivation and discipline into the art of performing and following my dreams. By doing this I know I can spread light, as I wish to inspire others to follow their heart no matter what they’re dealt in life.
Bold Generosity Matters Scholarship
Generosity, a feature often overlooked or mistaken for simply giving something to someone else. In today's terms it can often be associated with YouTube videos of celebrities giving money or cars to homeless people, but that’s not true generosity. I find true generosity is almost designed to go unnoticed, giving with expecting truly nothing in return, not even your name on an article for credit. No ulterior-motive, just kindness and a pure willingness to help, often when it is inconvenient for you. Growing up with a blind diabetic dad, generosity was taught from a young age to go out of your way to help those who need it. Often people with disabilities can still do anything they put their mind to, but it’s still important to be there for someone just in case. From waking up in the middle of the night to make peanut butter sandwiches for low-blood sugars, to simply being his eyes around the house when an object was lost, generosity means helping because you care and want the best for them. I had nothing to gain other than knowing he was safe. Being able to apply this skill all throughout life is very important, especially for those who find a harder time asking for help in the first place. If our society valued true generosity more than veiled ego, I believe everyone would feel more connected, not just to each other but to themselves as well. Showing that you can prioritize others needs above yours is a noble and continuous pursuit, that even I could still improve.
Lo Easton's “Wrong Answers Only” Scholarship
1. As someone who dislikes the construct of money and imaginary numbers that humans decided to make up, I’m probably the most deserving to receive this scholarship of free money. Let’s add to the existential crisis, it’ll make life more interesting. 2. I would say my career goal is to not have a career. I would prefer to be a lizard sunbathing on a rock next to a lake. No money, just good vibes. Academically, no thoughts, we don’t perceive society. 3. The largest obstacle I’ve faced is the wind. It’s everywhere? It just shoves you around, which is super rude, but I’m not sure why I would want to “overcome” it. You just gotta accept who it is and that it’ll always be a part of life. Give up, y’know? Not my battle to fight.
Ella Fornof Student Profile | Bold.org