Lisa Drinkwater, a 2020 ASH graduate has followed a vibrant and artistic path since her time at school. Arriving at ASH in 6th grade after completing Dutch primary school, Lisa quickly found her passion for the arts. 

 

From early on, Lisa immersed herself in the school’s theatre and music programs. “From 6th Grade onward, I helped out with almost every musical and play,” she recalls. Initially, she worked backstage; handling hair and makeup, stage management, and sound. Eventually, she stepped into the spotlight herself, performing in productions such as The Sound of Music, The Music Man, In the Heights, and Freaky Friday. Her involvement extended beyond theatre: Lisa was an active member of the Sustainability Club, organized a clothing exchange to promote giving garments a second life, and led the Fashion Club, creating her own recycled designs from old clothing and plastic bags. She also danced on the school’s dance team and performed with JAKK, sharing her talents at assemblies and concerts.

 

Reflecting on her time at ASH, Lisa emphasizes the value of the school’s diverse community. “ASH was a special place because you were surrounded by people from many different backgrounds and cultures, all with different passions. It was inspiring to learn from one another while still being fully supported in choosing your own path.” She credits her teachers for their guidance and mentorship, noting that she still maintains close relationships with several of them, and even had the opportunity to work alongside Anthony Cunningham and Katerina Middelburg after graduation.

 

Lisa shares how her time at ASH profoundly shaped her future: “ASH gave me the opportunity to explore all sides of the arts,” she says. By her final year, she was fully immersed in the arts, taking five arts classes including High Level Theatre, High Level Visual Arts, musical theatre, and tech theatre. The freedom to explore her passions and the support she received from teachers allowed her to understand her calling.

 

Standout moments for Lisa often revolve around theatre. “I will never forget performing in In the Heights and how magical that experience was. We worked incredibly hard and truly became a family and community. The support for one another and the shared passion created a feeling I will never forget.”

 

After graduating from ASH, Lisa faced a pivotal choice between studying Graphic Design at the Willem de Kooning Academy or Music Theatre at Codarts University of the Arts. Her love for performance ultimately guided her to Codarts, where she graduated in 2024. Navigating a challenging and competitive field, she has taught dance and musical theatre at various schools and returned to ASH to choreograph both a play and a musical.

 

Most recently, Lisa has embarked on an exciting new chapter as a performer on a Norwegian cruise ship, taking on a lead singing role and embracing the adventure that lies ahead. Lisa's journey reflects the creativity, resilience, and passion that ASH fosters in its students; showing how ASH’s supportive and rich cultural environment can help turn a young student’s passion into a lifelong journey of pursuit.