Meet Ellie Roth | Actor and Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ellie Roth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ellie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always had an affinity for music and acting. I began training in classical vocals in middle school and was a promising up-and-coming opera singer; taking home multiple accolades for my vocals. However, as I started performing in musicals, I discovered an empathetic side to myself that allowed me to connect with the characters I was playing. I slowly took on more straight-play roles and found myself obsessed with the art of acting. After several, unfortunate life experiences, I discovered my most proactive coping mechanism is to take everything in life as a masterclass in acting. Since I’ve started seeing life through this artistic lens, my day-to-day has become so much more exciting. I remember when I experienced my first heart-break in college, after the initial shock wore off, I texted my therapist and triumphantly told her that now I can portray genuine heartbreak onstage! Singing and acting steered me toward other creative outlets such as writing, directing, and playing various instruments. Through some trial and error of pursuing other professional endeavors (even spending one semester as a business major YIKES), I realized I would never feel fulfilled and like I was serving my purpose unless I chose to live an artistic lifestyle and pursue the arts full time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I consider myself to be an artist who performs rather than simply a “performer.” As artists, it’s important to explore and take advantage of all outlets for expressing our creativity and, although still in college, I’ve been sharing my art professionally for several years now. I’ve come to understand myself as a creative who is hell-bent on affecting change; whether it be directly through fundraising or indirectly through inspiring audiences with new ideas. Last year, I discovered I have a particular soft-spot for stories about mental health; particularly mental illnesses which are often misrepresented (or underrepresented) in the media. Of all the art I’ve gotten to share with audiences, I am most proud of my most recent accomplishment which was directing, producing, and designing a production of Martin McDonagh’s play “The Pillowman” at Kennesaw State University. I also acted as sole dramaturg for the show, implementing elements of mental illness research as depicted in the play. It was important to me to educate people as well as entertain and I believe I accomplished my goals of both producing an enjoyable performance and, more importantly, allowing the audience a safe space to educate themselves on unfamiliar topics. Living is a constant game of observing and practicing compassion for others. During Covid, the purpose of my art became clearer. Art is not just a coping mechanism; it’s a way people can express themselves without judgement. I endured significant hardships as a child and I wondered for years how to make something worthwhile of my experience so I would no longer view it as a waste. In college, I came across a program called the Alliance Collision Project where I was able to go into an Atlanta Juvenile Detention Center and teach acting and art collaboration to a group of incarcerated teens. It was the most humbling experience of my life. Not only did I release harmful self-pity, but I expressed to these kids how art had helped me find hope and joy again and I watched as it did the same for them. I learned that your past and your mistakes can have beautiful meaning if you allow them to. And acting is my beautiful meaning to my experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It is not a trip to Atlanta without a meal at The Sun Dial Restaurant. The expense is well-worth the experience. The skyline of ATL, especially at nighttime, is one of the most gorgeous views and getting to view with with a cocktail in hand and high-quality food on the table is top-tier.

You also cannot leave Atlanta without observing some local theatre! I’m not just talking about the famous Fox and Alliance Theaters, I’m talking the hole-in-the-wall black box shows that will leave you speechless. On top of having a wonderful experience viewing some incredible theatre, you also get to help out a local business (which is ALWAYS a plus).

Speaking of local businesses, the mom-and-pop cafes are the places to be. Grab a latte at The Daily Grind or Tinto’s Coffee House. Find the little brick restaurants tucked away behind a street. I guarantee your greatest meal is waiting for you behind those doors!

Of course, you gotta check out The High Museum if you’re a fan of art and the Georgia Aquarium is always a magical visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I never would have thought that a successful and brilliant medical professional like my mom would be the greatest cheerleader of her starry-eyed daughter with dreams of being an actress… but here we are. This shoutout is dedicated to Amanda Green: the best mom anyone could be blessed with.

Instagram: ellie_roth__

Image Credits
Antbird Media and Casey Gardner Ford