Kiki Henry ’22 is a four-year Senior from Kennebunkport, Maine. She has been involved with theater since she was young and has grown her passion for the performing arts at the school. Henry is a head of the Hotchkiss Dramatic Association (HDA) and has performed in several school plays, such as Mamma Mia! and Clue.

How have you been involved with theater at the school?

I have participated in and managed technology for many performances. This year, I played a range of characters, from Rosie in Mamma Mia! to Ms. Green in Clue. Most recently, I helped direct a team to win the Thundermug, an annual Shakespeare competition at the school. I also directed Almost Love Sick, a play about the success and struggles of love. My final performance at the school will be a scene from As You Like It with my advanced theater class.

How did you first find your passion for theater?

I have loved theater my entire life. When I was little, my favorite thing to do was go to rehearsals and watch the performances on display. My first exposure to the theater department at the school was in the musical Runaways my Prep year. I fell in love with both the teachers and the students in the department, and I have continued ever since. I find theater to be an escape from the stressful aspects of everyday life, and I learn lots from experiencing “life” in another person’s shoes.

How has the school helped you grow as a performer?

I have learned a lot about performing and myself through participating in HDA. In my Prep and Lower Mid year in theater, I grew my confidence on stage and learned about the root of acting: discipline. I pursued an independent study in theater my Upper Mid year, where I read and wrote my own political plays, challenging myself to use my passion for theater to make a change. In Advanced Acting, I am given specific roles that force me to make bolder choices, push me out of my comfort zone, and challenge my skills.

What is a piece of advice you can give to future performers?

The biggest piece of advice I can give to future performers is to be intentional when on stage. Make choices with purpose behind them to push the storyline and help you develop your character. When you know exactly why your character is doing something, then you are able to connect with them on a deeper level.

What are your hopes for a future in theater?

While I don’t know where theater will lead me in the future, I do plan to continue to pursue it in college. Theater has helped me find confidence in myself, and I will always carry the lessons I learned with me through life.