BE A LIGHT
BIOGRAPHY
Kristin E. Ellis has played roles from Dominique Morisseau (Paradise Blue- Timeline Theatre, Winner of the Black
Theatre Alliance Award for Best Featured Actress), Pearl Cleage (What I Learned in Paris- Congo Square Theatre, Award nomination), Lydia Diamond (The Inside- MPAACT Theatre, Award nomination), and Christina Anderson (Black Top Sky- Steppenwolf Garage Rep), among others. Kristin was a part of an all-star cast in A Red Orchid Theatre’s production of Simpatico, featuring Academy Award Winner, Michael Shannon. The show received rave reviews and was remounted by the McCarter Theatre Center, with Kristin apart of the original cast. Kristin went on to work with the National Black Theatre in Harlem, NY, followed by Traitor (A Red Orchid Theatre) Dir. Michael Shannon. Kristin’s work in independent films has premiered at film festivals such as: Black Harvest film festival, Bronzelens film festival in Atlanta, Chicago’s comedy film festival, Chicago’s Ethnographic Film Festival, Chicago’s global mixx music & film forum, and the Studio Movie Grill Theater. Kristin has also worked in commercials (McDonald's, S.C. Johnson), among others. Kristin received her BFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Kristin has studied under Larry Yando in First Folio classes at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and with the Acting Studio for TV/Film. Kristin is a passionate artist who loves to encourage and inspire others.
I didn't know who I was and often struggled with my identity. "Who am I?". At the age of 21, I received Christ into my life. Through much prayer God revealed to me "I am His workmanship. Created in Christ Jesus for good works, that He prepared beforehand, that I should walk in them." Eph. 2:10. I was destined for greatness. Since then, I've grown to become very passionate about encouraging and inspiring others. I love to see people walk in their greatness, un-apologetically. Be a Light encompasses all of who I am. Ultimately, sharing God's love and being excellent in all that I do. I pray you are encouraged and inspired to walk boldly in who God has called you to be. Blessings.
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Kristin shares her personal testimony to encourage and inspire others to be themselves and to not apologize for their greatness. She was the motivational speaker for Phoenix Military Academy “Letting go and letting grow” sisterhood lock-in. Leading an acting/empowerment workshop for young girls with Polished Pebbles, Kristin was also a teaching artist with After School Matters and AMTC.
Kristin E. Ellis…gives a searing performance…words are like acid meant to tear at the audience…It is a brilliant performance.
Chicago Theatre Beat
Ellis commits with joyous, if sometimes raw, energy and passion
Kerry Reid
Chicago Tribune
Kristin Ellis tells Emma’s story with such charm, you like her from the moment she appears.
Jacob Davis
Chicago Critic
Kristin Ellis plays Ann with authentic vulnerability
New City Stage
Anne, played by a very likable, empathetic Kristin Ellis.
Peter Thomas Ricci
Chicago Theatre Review