ELLA OLESEN
Ella is a Canadian actress, located between New York City and Vancouver. She was the first British Columbian to study Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan (Highest Honors), and trained in Shakespeare at the University of Oxford (British American Drama Academy).
Ella has graced stages around North America. With both the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Symphony, she played Tzeitel in the live world premiere of John Williams’ film orchestrations from Fiddler on the Roof, conducted by Andy Einhorn and directed by Sarna Lapine. At the Florida Repertory Theatre, she played Cecily Cardew alongside Broadway veterans in the extended production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Writer/composer Andrew Lippa saw Ella play Mae in MiMi Scardulla’s production of his award-winning musical The Wild Party at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Ella was also featured in the Broadway Our Way Concert in Stamps Auditorium, directed by Grammy and Tony-nominated Broadway Inspirational Voices founder Michael McElroy. A few other roles Ella enjoyed include Inga in Young Frankenstein, Olive in The Odd Couple (Female Version), and Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as original characters in a number of developing pieces.
Originally from Vancouver Island, Ella grew up training as a competitive dancer and singer, performing around BC to win many awards and scholarships.
When she's not performing, Ella is often found hitting the gym, experimenting with DSLR photography, swimming in the ocean, and cooking meals with homegrown ingredients.
NEXT UP:
Ella plays CAROL, the student, opposite Michael Turner as JOHN, the professor, in Pulitzer Prizewinner David Mamet's two-hander, OLEANNA, at the Florida Repertory Theatre in April and May 2024. Chris Clavelli directs.
PRESS:
Florida Rep Ends The Season With OLEANNA By David Mamet
Nanaimo actor appears in Florida play depicting power struggle between professor and student
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Extends Through March 11th at the Florida Repertory Theatre
Santa’s Nearly Here at Nearly Ninth
Barn Theatre to Present YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN This Week
Barn Theatre Kicks Off Summer with SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
This weekend's U-M production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' will be like nothing heard before