Student Blog: An Introduction

My name is Ella Bianchi (he/they) and I am a BA Professional Writing major with minors in Publishing & Editing and Theatre at Millikin University with hopes of pursuing a professional career in dramaturgy post-graduation. I originally entered Millikin as a BA Theatre & Performance Studies major, but my plans have shifted towards the offstage magic. 

This fall I will be entering my sophomore year. I will be working on two mainstage productions – Zombie Prom and Clybourne Park – as the dramaturg while acting as the Marketing Director for Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, Millikin’s student-led theatre company. I also have the pleasure of being on the executive board for Millikin CARE as the Co-Social Media & Marketing Manager, or Creatives for Artistic and Realistic Equity. 

Previous production roles at Millikin include Company Liaison (In Transit), Wardrobe Crew (Solstice: A Concert of Dance), and Stage Manager (The Trials). I also performed in my best friend’s original musical Veggies: A VeggieTales Cabaret written, directed, and produced for her Honors Capstone. 

In the meantime, I am keeping myself very busy over the summer by acting in Limelight Theatre Company’s productions of Cover Me (written and directed by Brian Brems) and The SpongeBob Musical (directed by Lucie Kupres). This will be the second time I have performed in SpongeBob! My senior year of high school I had the pleasure of portraying Patrick Star and now I am taking on the role of Eugene H. Krabs, SpongeBob’s money-hungry boss. 

I also have an internship with Your Performing Arts Center in Yorkville, IL that I am completing which consists of assisting with social media and marketing for each of their week-long Aladdin Jr. camps. 

Here are some quick facts to get to know more about me: 

• Where am I from? I grew up in the far western suburbs of Chicago with my parents and older brother. 
• Do I have any pets? I have two guinea pigs named Walter and Jesse. Yes, we chose those after the leading characters in Breaking Bad. 
• What other shows have I been in recently? Mamma Mia! (Ensemble), The Drowsy Chaperone (Reporter 2/Gangster 2 u/s), The Pajama Game (Mae), Almost, Maine (Rhonda), and The Addams Family (Featured Ensemble). 
• What is my dream musical/role? Paulette in Legally Blonde or Diana in Next to Normal. 
• What is my favorite play or musical currently running on Broadway? Definitely The Outsiders, or Little Shop of Horrors if I am allowed to count off-Broadway shows (which I am giving myself permission for). 
• What is my favorite part about theater? I enjoy getting to be a part of the creative process. A big contributor to why I have shifted my career path to be behind-the-scenes instead of on stage is because I am extremely fond of building something from the ground up, which you don’t always have the chance to do when simply playing a role, especially if it is a beloved role that has been around for decades. 
• What do I like to do in my free time? I love to watch YouTube! I typically watch commentary/comedy channels and my favorites right now are Danny Gonzalez, Drew Gooden, Jarvis Johnson, Kurtis Conner, Moriah Elizabeth, Mythical Kitchen, and Smosh. I also enjoy handlettering/calligraphy so I make a lot of cards, signs, gift tags, etc. for my family and friends. 

I have already rambled for longer than I deem acceptable, so it’s time I sign off my first blog post. I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all and connecting through these blogs! I am always open to chatting if you have any questions or simply want to chat; please do not hesitate to reach out.