Zina Ellis: "Legally Black"

Zina Ellis, an actor, singer and writer from Moline, Ill., will perform a one-hour cabaret, “Legally Black.”

Now based in Brooklyn, N.Y. , she holds a bachelor’s in theater studies with distinction in the major from Yale University.

“Legally Black” is a solo cabaret piece exploring the experiences of women of color in musical theatre, which Ellis developed as a senior thesis project at Yale University.  (See related story)

Since graduating, she has worked with many theatre organizations in and around New York City, singing alongside Broadway actors in concert halls and performing with up-and-coming theatre artists. She most recently appeared as Yelena in “Uncle Vanya” at Columbia University.

In addition to acting, Ellis has sung in venues around the United States and the world with multiple musical ensembles. When not performing, she is a teaching artist and tutor.