Ella Olesen

Ella is a New York City-based actress. She is a company member of New York's Ensemble Shakespeare Company (ESC), and holds a B.F.A. 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 regularly practices the teachings of Patsy Rodenburg and Bob Krakower.

Ella has graced stages around the world. She made her Off-Broadway debut in the world-premiere production of WELCOME TO THE BIG DIPPER at the York Theatre. Off-Off-Broadway, she's been featured at the Flea Theater in the Ensemble Shakespeare Company's award-winning A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, as well as in ESC's ROMEO AND JULIET and JULIUS CAESAR.


With both the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Grand Rapids Symphony, Ella 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. 

Regionally, Ella starred alongside The Brady Bunch's Barry Williams in ALONE TOGETHER at the New Theatre. At the Florida Repertory Theatre, she headlined in OLEANNA (Pulitzer Prize-winning David Mamet's two-hander) and played Cecily Cardew alongside Broadway veterans in the extended production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. She revisited Cecily in the Gulfshore Playhouse's hit production of the same play.

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.

Other recent credits of Ella's include SISTER ACT in Italy, excerpts from CYMBELINE in Oxford, ROCK OF AGES, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS in Michigan, THE ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) on Vancouver Island in Canada, and several original pieces in development.

Ella grew up in competitive dance and singing, which garnered her much recognition (particularly for her impersonations of various male characters), as well as awards and scholarships.​ 

Offstage, Ella can be found hitting the gym, experimenting with DSLR photography, hiking in any weather, and reading by candlelight.