Not surprisingly, she reacted in the animated and theatrical way you would expect from any young actress and director.
"I was actually in bed and I got an email.
"I sprinted out of my room to try and tell some of my flatmates, but no-one was awake.
"So I just kind of stood in the hallway and yelled, ‘I won’.
"There were a few tears and then I screamed and did a wee dance."
If there was anyone there to listen, she probably would have given an acceptance speech, too, she said.
The 21-year-old University of Otago bachelor of arts and science student, majoring in theatre and chemistry, is one of seven performing arts students from across the country to receive the Acorn Foundation’s Fund for Acting and Musical Endeavours Emerging Practitioner Award.
Miss Court is a theatre technician, actor and director who has taken part in 32 productions over the past 18 months, including five productions at the Dunedin Arts Festival and two at the Dunedin Fringe Festival.
As if she has not already been busy enough, the driven and talented creative wants to spend much of her fourth and final year next year directing and writing her own theatre productions to add to her prolific catalogue of successful shows.
"Receiving this award allows me to keep engaging deeply with every aspect of theatre — learning and growing as both a technician and designer.
"I’m also eager to build open, supportive communication within productions, and help bring to life the stories that matter to New Zealanders."
The $10,000 award would help her to focus on her multidisciplinary studies and creative successes, without having to work.
"I’m really thrilled — not just for the $10,000, but for the award itself.
"It’s really nice to be recognised in this way."
She also hoped to build a platform in the theatre world to help campaign for better communication between creatives and technicians, and to foster safe practice in the world of theatre.
University of Otago theatre manager and professional practice fellow Martyn Roberts said Miss Court was "a worthy winner".
"She will be making good use of her award to update her study equipment, and she is keen to be able to go out and share her knowledge with community performance groups next year, without the pressure of having to work while studying.
"This is typical of Ella, who is always generous with her time and knowledge to help others."
The awards went to talented music, contemporary dance and theatre students from the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Otago, Toi Whakaari, New Zealand School of Dance and Ara Institute of Canterbury.
