Ellen Shamas-Brandt
she/her
An enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, Ellen is thrilled to be participating in the acting competition at SparkFest! She resides in Littleton, Colorado, where she recently portrayed Baruska in the Town Hall Arts Center’s production of "Once." Indigenous roles include a River Spirit in "We’re Still Here" (Empathy Theatre Project), Homahota in "Savage-The Musical" (Creative Nations First Storyteller’s Festival), and Young Person in "49" (American Indian Theatre Company). A musician and actor; she has performed in 30+ productions and served as a musical director/director/accompanist for 10+ more. She has won awards for her work at several Colorado Community Theatre Coalition conferences. Additionally, two of her short plays were selected for the Native Voices Short Play Festivals in 2018 and 2024. Ellen recently founded Celebration of Native Arts to promote the works of Native American/First Nations performing artists. Ellen is very thankful for her supportive family!