Conversations with Ellie Roth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Roth

Hi Ellie , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In elementary school, I had the misfortune of constantly being picked last for just about every sports team event I was forced to participate in. Something about soccer balls, rackets, athleticism and physical coordination just didn’t come naturally to me. It wasn’t until the third grade, when my school’s theatre department held auditions for the musical “Annie,” that I found something I wasn’t only good at, but genuinely loved. I’ll never forget my first shining moment on stage when 8 year old me sang the line “don’t it seem like there’s never any light?” in our rendition of “It’s the Hard Knock Life.” While I took a few more failed attempts at sports (even discovering that I may be the worst cheerleader in history), all other interests besides performing arts slowly trickled out and I am now left with an undying passion for music and acting.
In high school, I trained in classical vocals which paved the way for my current career in musical theatre. Since graduating from the Theatre and Performance Studies Department at Kennesaw State University (perhaps one of the most underrated theatre programs in the South) in July 2024, I’ve been working out how to navigate the balance between pursuing my artistic passions while maintaining the personal (and financial) lifestyle I want and desire.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A life in the performing arts is not all glamorous nor simple. Actually, the number one thing my college professors told me was that, if I could picture myself doing ANYTHING else besides acting, I should do that instead. One of the main struggles has, naturally, been booking enough jobs to make consistent paychecks. Unless you’re working on high-profile productions (opportunities that are typically few and far between) , odds are that the paychecks are nothing to brag about. So, the only option is to maintain another full-time, or perhaps even multiple other jobs to support your artistic career.
Along with the fickleness of pay, there’s also the inconsistency of jobs in general. Atlanta is a HUGE spot for performance but even here actors often find themselves in a gig lull. That’s why the best thing artists can do for themselves is to create their own art instead of always waiting to participate in somebody else’s project. That’s the whole point of the lifestyle anyway, right?

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist through and through, but having just graduated college I am still discovering what that looks like for me. I sing, act, dance (when I have to), write, and I’ve also directed and produced a college production. Currently, I am taking small gigs here and there while also working on some personal projects (more details coming soon!). While I’m happy performing in (almost) any kind of production, I am most passionate about creating and taking part in artistic projects that highlight and spread awareness about mental health; specifically underrepresented and misunderstood mental disorders. Living with OCD, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression disorders myself, I’ve realized the amount of misinformation circulating that is not only harmful to those who struggle with their mental health, but also to those who love people with mental disorders. I would say I’m most proud of my overall trajectory in this field. I not only wish to entertain, but to inform others about what it means to live with these kinds of issues. And, more importantly, I want to show that there is hope and happiness available to everyone despite the issues they may wrestle with.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My relationship with God and my mom are the two things I have to thank the most for where I’m at and where I’m going with my artistic career. I’ve never lacked any kind of physical or emotional support and encouragement through my mom despite all the different circumstances I’ve been through. And any deeper, more spiritual encouragement and support I’ve needed is always found in my relationship with the Lord.
Furthermore, my professors and peers in the Theatre and Performance Studies Department at Kennesaw State University deserve all my love and appreciation for not only teaching me most of what I know about the arts, but also motivating me to work harder and more passionately through watching their examples.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ellie_roth__

Image Credits
Casey Gardner Ford
Anaston Ragsdale
Caroline Donica