Ella Olesen

Ella is a New York City-based actress. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan (Highest Honors) and a Certificate in Shakespeare from the British American Drama Academy (University of Oxford). She is a company member of New York's Ensemble Shakespeare Company, regularly practicing Patsy Rodenburg's teachings.

Ella has graced stages around North America. She's performed Off-Broadway at the York Theatre in the world-premiere production of Welcome to the Big Dipper. 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 directorial debut 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.

Ella grew up in competitive dance and singing, which garnered her much recognition, as well as many awards and scholarships.​