Karthik Malickel Ramakrishnan ’27
Whether she’s playing soccer or squash, acting or singing, “[Gardner Huston ’25] is a true triple threat,” describes Music Department Chair Jim Erwin. Huston, who joined The Episcopal Academy in seventh grade, has been singing since kindergarten and made her stage debut in The Lion King in 7th grade. Along with her passion for performing, she excels academically and also athletically, playing soccer and squash. Huston is committed to making the most of her time at EA, actively engaging in a variety of activities to broaden her learning experiences.
Huston’s love of music was fostered by her mom and her teachers. “My mom has always loved music, and I’ve been lucky to have some really great music teachers,” she explains. In addition, Mr. Savar, Huston’s middle school music teacher at the Agnes Irwin School, also encouraged her love of music. “He was always very encouraging and created a safe space to try new things, learn about music, and experiment,” Huston recalls.
Huston has performed in many EA musicals and has developed a deep passion for EA theater. Her roles have included a “Player” in Pippin and an ancestor in The Addams Family. Huston has gained lots of confidence and grown in her acting through her high school years; she took Honors Acting last year and is taking Fundamentals of Acting this year to aid her in her journey. Daniel Clay, Head of the Theatre Department, reflects, “She’s gotten much more specific, much more relaxed, and much more confident with her acting since she started here.” Huston has improved in both her acting and singing skills. Mr. Erwin says, “She has a beautiful alto chamber to her voice. But this year, especially when I heard her audition for Vocal Ensemble, I just heard a new kind of vibrancy from her voice.” Huston’s commitment to growing as a performer is evident and she is excited to continue into her last musical at EA in the spring.
Photo courtesy of Ellen Erikson
Leadership is a very important characteristic in a theater community and Huston fulfills that role by mentoring young cast members. Fraser Wein ‘27 says, “She shows up for us every time, and she’s very supportive, especially of the younger kids. When I was a freshman, Gardner and I immediately clicked and she made me feel right at home.” Huston makes everyone feel welcomed by her warm personality, not only in the musical but also in choir as one of this year’s choir presidents. Erwin emphasizes how he loves her sense of humor and the positive attitude that she brings to choir. Huston makes people feel comfortable and valued, creating an environment for everyone to show their creativity.
Huston balances a very busy schedule with being an athlete, performer, and student, yet still manages to do it all. She compares her experience of being an athlete and performer by saying, “Sometimes on a team, you have a specific role you have to play. Whereas in theater, you’re allowed to change and move; it’s more fluid. You still have a role to play, but that role can be different things.”
Huston uses theater as a place to be creative and adventurous. “I think theater is a good place for anyone to try if they’re struggling with finding themselves and figuring out who they are. Theater is a good place to be because I think the community is, as a whole, very judgment-free.” Her perspective highlights the power of the arts in building confidence and encouraging self-discovery. While Huston will miss EA’s welcoming theater program and its peers, she has gained many friendships, skills, and experiences that have shaped the person she is today.