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. She's worked Off-Broadway at the York Theatre in the world-premiere production of Welcome to the Big Dipper. 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.
UPCOMING:
Ella makes her Off-Broadway debut in the world-premiere musical WELCOME TO THE BIG DIPPER, running at the York Theatre from November 21st through December 29th, 2024. Ella covers the principal roles of REBECCA, BONNIE, and SARAH.
Book – Catherine Filloux (based on her play, ALL DRESSED UP WITH NOWHERE TO GO) and John Daggett
Music – Jimmy Roberts
Lyrics – Jimmy Roberts & John Daggett
Direction – DeMone Seraphin
Choreography – Ashley Marinelli
Music Direction – Beth Falcone
RECENTLY:
Ella played CAROL, the student, opposite Denis Lambert (TAMMY FAYE, SPAMALOT) as JOHN, the professor, in Pulitzer Prizewinner David Mamet's two-hander, OLEANNA, at the Florida Repertory Theatre in April and May 2024.
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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
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Santa’s Nearly Here at Nearly Ninth
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Barn Theatre to Present YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN This Week
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Barn Theatre Kicks Off Summer with SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
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This weekend's U-M production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' will be like nothing heard before
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