About me!
Hi, and welcome! My name is Elissa, and I'm a performing artist, educator, and arts professional with a passion for connecting people through creativity. I grew up in Manhattan Beach, California, and earned my BA in Theatre from Muhlenberg College, where I deepened my training in acting, dance, and voice. From preschool solos (yes, I sang “Till There Was You” at the Montessori Spring Sing!) to award-nominated performances in shows like Anything Goes, Pirates of Penzance, Beauty and the Beast, and My Fair Lady, the stage has always been a second home to me.
I spent a few years in NYC doing background work for shows such as Marvelous Mrs. Maisel S3, Succession S1,The Plot Against America, and more. Alongside my performance career, I’ve also worked in the tech and customer success world, where I honed skills in relationship management, program development, and digital storytelling. Now, I’m bringing those experiences full circle... combining my background in the arts and tech to teach, perform, and help creative communities grow.
After eight wonderful years in New York City, I’ve recently moved back to the Los Angeles area, where I’m excited to continue my work in arts education and management. Whether I’m in the studio teaching dance, on stage performing, or collaborating with arts organizations, my goal is always the same: to inspire, to connect, and to make the performing arts accessible and meaningful for others.
Below are some fun reviews I've received from past performances:
"...Elissa Wells (was) a riot as (one of) the three Silly Girls, who hang on Gaston's every muscle flex.'" -Lehigh Valley Stage
"Elissa Wells plays the coloratura soprano Mabel. She was winsome and ably executed the vocal gymnastics required of the role, accentuated by the humorous extreme reactions of Frederick to her top notes in 'Poor Wandering One.'" -The Morning Call
"Elissa's entire performance is nicely nuanced as she brings verve and restraint to her role, playing Reno to perfection. Her vocals and dancing during "Let's Misbehave" and "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" are stellar and her vocals on "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "Anything Goes" divine." -Liz Spear, Hermosa Patch
and my personal favorite...
"Elissa Wells wears a bit as the whiny Ermengarde, but I think that's the point." - Kathy Lauer-Williams, The Morning Call