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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Usher turned actor finds emotional debut on Sydney stage

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Ellen Ebbs, who previously worked as an usher at the Theatre Royal Sydney, made her acting debut in the musical Fiddler on the Roof.
  • Ebbs described the experience as an emotional

Ellen Ebbs found herself overcome with emotion when she stepped onto the stage at the Theatre Royal Sydney for her acting debut in "Fiddler on the Roof." Ebbs, 24, previously worked as an usher at the same venue, cleaning stalls and working behind the bar.

It's literally the theatre I work [in] five times a week. I clean those stalls, I work on the bar, I work with the cocktails … I've been in that theatre, like, 200 times, but always from the other side.

— Ellen EbbsEbbs describes her previous role as an usher at the Theatre Royal Sydney.

"It's literally the theatre I work [in] five times a week," Ebbs told ABC News. "I clean those stalls, I work on the bar, I work with the cocktails … I've been in that theatre, like, 200 times, but always from the other side."

As soon as I stepped on stage, I literally started crying. It was just such a crazy full-circle moment, and I think it hit me in that moment, seeing the stage from that point of view, and looking at the stalls that I've worked at. It was such a pinch-me moment.

— Ellen EbbsEbbs reflects on the emotional impact of her acting debut on the same stage where she used to work.

Ebbs is now playing the role of Hodel, one of Tevye's daughters, in the Australian production. She described her first moments on stage as a "crazy full-circle moment" and a "pinch-me moment," as she looked out at the audience from the perspective of a performer.

The support from Theatre Royal has actually melted my heart. On opening night, there was a big bouquet of flowers in my dressing room, and they had a massive card that was signed by every usher and bartender.

— Ellen EbbsEbbs expresses gratitude for the support she received from her former colleagues.

Her transition from usher to actor was met with immense support from her former colleagues. On opening night, Ebbs received a large bouquet of flowers signed by all the ushers and bartenders, and was greeted with cheers and applause from staff in the foyer. "It was so beautiful, and just seeing how excited they all were for me," she said.

They all just started screaming and cheering my name, and clapping, and my besties were crying. And I was like, 'This is literally like a movie.' It was so beautiful, and just seeing how excited they all were for me.

— Ellen EbbsEbbs describes the heartwarming reception she received from staff on opening night.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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