ELLA OLESEN

Ella is a Canadian actress, currently located in New York City. 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 Carol, the student, in Pulitzer Prizewinner David Mamet's two-person play Oleanna, as well as 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), Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and original characters in several pieces in development.

 

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.