I love acting. It’s the only place people stare at me for the right reasons.
Thomas Ellenson had his breakout moment when his first one-man show It Is What It Is won First Prize at NYC’s One Festival, leading to a sold-out run at the Flamboyan Theater. With raw humor and undeniable presence, Thomas knew as the curtain went down on opening night that acting acting would be at the center of his life.
Using a power wheelchair and iPad for his voice, Thomas navigates the entertainment industry with determination and grace, refusing to be defined by his cerebral palsy. From stage to screen, he’s played a range of roles in tv, movies, and theater that defy expectations—most notably Dr. Milton Smythe in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie, marking the first time a character using AAC played a character whose role had absolutely nothing to do with their disability.
“I love being on stage. It’s the only time people stare at me for the right reasons,” says Thomas. “And don’t worry about staring—I’m used to it. The only difference is that my Method includes a wheelchair and an iPad. Oh, and one more thing: I never forget my lines.”
Thomas continues to sharpen his craft at The Barrow Group, bringing passion, authenticity, and a bold new voice to the entertainment industry.
“Thomas Ellenson is one of the wildly talented students I’ve had the privilege of meeting at Broadway Dreams. He came to our audition with stand up comedy that was legit –using a voice that that came out of his iPad speakers and a body that brought it home! Thomas takes notes better than most professional actors l’ve worked with - using a simple move of his eyes (up for yes, down for no) to let you know whether he’s got it.
I can’t wait to see what’s next for him. You inspire us pal.”
Tom is capable of great things. His passion for performance, his positive approach, the extraordinary way he lives his life - with his wheelchair never confining him, but rather acting as a foundation for his strength and bold flights of imagination - affect everyone with whom he comes into contact.
– Tony-winning actor Jefferson Mays
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