Elysia is the regular host of This Week in Spaceflight on NASASpaceflight.com
and the Intrepid Museum's monthly Astro Live!
and the Intrepid Museum's monthly Astro Live!
Follow and subscribe to interact with us!
Recent News:
Elysia will be part of the panel session Immersive Theater in Location-Based Entertainment: The Creative Whys and the Operational Hows at IAAPA Expo 2022 in Orlando, FL!
This moderated panel includes discussions with some of the industry’s leading voices in immersive theater and location-based entertainment. The panel will address elements of cost, consistency, and the value of spontaneity and immediacy to today’s audiences. |
Elysia was recently interviewed by BlooLoop for an article about incorporating theatre into immersive and location-based spaces.
Immersive theatre in attractions: the creative whys and operational hows Read the article here |
Miss an Astro Live? Catch up below!
Elysia hosted November's episode of Virtual Astro Live, which featured members from NASA's Technology Demonstration Mission Directorate who discussed the recent LOFTID demonstration and teased a few upcoming projects!
In December, we chatted with an expert on the Orion heat shield from Lockheed Martin. Elysia's pre-show highlighted the events leading up to the historic launch of Artemis I as well as the "Red Crew" who saved the day (with some interesting connections to the Intrepid!)
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
Fall . 2022
Elysia hosted another Astronomy Night onsite at the Intrepid Museum featuring legendary Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise!
Did you miss the DART impact broadcast? ? Watch it here! Join Intrepid Museum in partnership with NASASpaceflight.com and NASA experts for coverage of the Impact T-0 for the NASA DART mission, aiming to intentionally impact the path of an asteroid! Special guests included Scott Bellamy (Mission Manager for NASA DART) and Andrew Cheng (Lead Investigator for NASA DART). |
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
June's episode of Virtual Astronomy Live featured some truly out-of-this-world musical guests: NASA Astronauts Chris Hadfield and Cady Coleman! Elysia kicked off the show with an overview of the Voyager Golden Record which is still carrying music through the universe today!
In August, we highlighted the groundbreaking first image returns of the James Webb Space Telescope. Elysia's pre-show highlighted space pareidolia, a phenomenon that makes us see shapes or pictures in seemingly random places such as nebulas or craters.
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In March, we kicked off our exciting new partnership with NASASpaceflight by moving Virtual Astronomy Live to a brand new timeslot, during their 3pm NSF Live show! Elysia presented a pre-show exploring the unsung women who paved the way for today’s female astronauts before a discussion with astronauts Dr. Sian Proctor and Nicole Stott.
Following our onsite Astronomy Night in April, one month later Elysia gave an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at work being conducted at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center from her Crew-4 #NASASocial experience! Explore sustainable food experiments in the Space Station Processing Facility, a look inside NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the recent NASA SpaceX Crew-4 launch and more!
Spring . 2022
Elysia hosted Kids Week at the Intrepid Museum, featuring astronaut Victor J. Glover, Jr. and a number of scientists and engineers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Goddard Flight Center. With over 6,000 in attendance, it was a wonderful welcome back to onsite programming at the museum! Elysia also presented her Betty Skelton research at the Loyola University History Graduate Student Association Conference (themed "Persevering Through Time: Little Known Histories and Untold Stories") on a panel titled "Historically sEX-cluded."
|
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In January, Elysia gave an overview of the Artemis 1 mission and it's upcoming zero-G indicator, Astronaut Snoopy, as well as a look back at some other lovable toys that have served as visual markers for microgravity. February's pre-show featured a look at Mars as a cultural phenomenon throughout history and highlighted the full-scale models of the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, now on display at the Intrepid Museum.
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In January, Elysia gave an overview of the Artemis 1 mission and it's upcoming zero-G indicator, Astronaut Snoopy, as well as a look back at some other lovable toys that have served as visual markers for microgravity. February's pre-show featured a look at Mars as a cultural phenomenon throughout history and highlighted the full-scale models of the Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter, now on display at the Intrepid Museum.
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
Elysia has been selected as a NASA Solar System Ambassador! The Solar System Ambassador program is an educational public engagement effort that encourages communication about the science, discoveries, and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions. Ambassadors are selected by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) based on their backgrounds and public outreach activities, and are provided training and materials to assist in their work. |
Winter . 2021
Elysia hosted two more Atlas Obscura Experiences with the Intrepid Museum: inside the British Airways Concorde with Captain Leslie Scott and behind-the-scenes with former crew member Ron Rousseau in our Cold War-era nuclear submarine, Growler. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting 40th anniversary programming coming up in the new year with Intrepid!
Elysia hosted two more Atlas Obscura Experiences with the Intrepid Museum: inside the British Airways Concorde with Captain Leslie Scott and behind-the-scenes with former crew member Ron Rousseau in our Cold War-era nuclear submarine, Growler. Keep your eyes peeled for exciting 40th anniversary programming coming up in the new year with Intrepid!
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In October and December, Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the celestial origins of halloween and spooky nebulas,
and the "tabletop" roleplaying exercises that scientists and emergency responders go through to prepare for the worst!
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In October and December, Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the celestial origins of halloween and spooky nebulas,
and the "tabletop" roleplaying exercises that scientists and emergency responders go through to prepare for the worst!
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
Fall . 2021
Did you miss the Intrepid Museum's exclusive sneak peek inside the Space Shuttle Enterprise back in July with Atlas Obscura Experiences? It was so much fun we did it again! Elysia once again hosted this exciting evening inside the prototype orbiter with Curator of Aviation and Aircraft Restoration and special guest, NASA Astronaut Mario Runco, Jr., who told stories about his experiences in shuttles in space! Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In August and September, Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on astronaut spacesuits (and a demonstration of what would happen to your body in space if you DIDN'T wear one!), and NASA JPL's "Visions of the Future" travel poster series. Check them out by clicking the images, below! |
Spring/Summer . 2021 Elysia was recently honored to receive the Women in the Arts Recognition Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution for her historical scriptwriting work in the field of museum theatre. This national award recognizes and honors a woman in the non-performance arts who has exhibited excellence and has contributed to her artistic field in an outstanding manner beyond mastery of technique. She also presented her paper Betty Skelton: One Woman's Giant Leap as part of an "Art as Freedom" panel at the 2021 Northeastern University Conference in World History. This year's theme was "Fragile Freedom: Struggles for (In)equality" and Elysia received an Honorable Mention for the Public History Paper Prize for her work! |
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In May and June Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on all of the "lunar litter" we've left behind on the moon,
and how planetary scientists study moon rocks to learn about its origin (including a game show with candy bars!)
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In May and June Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on all of the "lunar litter" we've left behind on the moon,
and how planetary scientists study moon rocks to learn about its origin (including a game show with candy bars!)
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
Winter . 2021
Elysia performed as Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to be nominated on a major party ticket for the role of Vice President, for a History@Home virtual program with New-York Historical Society! Held on inauguration day to celebrate the historic occasion of Kamala Harris' inauguration, attendees learned about the role of the Vice President, Ferraro's tumultuous 1984 campaign with Walter Mondale, and had an opportunity to hear her speak and ask questions about her groundbreaking journey. Elysia also hosted live programming throughout the week for the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum's Kids Week Festival, held virtually this year! |
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In November and February, Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the Voyager golden records, which continue to sail through the universe with messages from Earth, and on the Artemis 1 mission with a fold-along to make your own (launching!) origami rocket.
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In November and February, Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the Voyager golden records, which continue to sail through the universe with messages from Earth, and on the Artemis 1 mission with a fold-along to make your own (launching!) origami rocket.
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
Miss a Virtual Astronomy Live? Catch up below!
In August and October Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the history of NASA Astronaut testing/training,
and the progression of space food for the Mercury-Apollo missions, and shared a recipe for "space pudding."
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
In August and October Elysia presented interactive pre-shows on the history of NASA Astronaut testing/training,
and the progression of space food for the Mercury-Apollo missions, and shared a recipe for "space pudding."
Check them out by clicking the images, below!
July . 2020
Elysia co-lead a patriotic sing-along, "Red, White, and Tunes" as part of the New-York Historical Society's "Celebrate July 4th @ Home" festivities! ...and even though the ship's doors might be closed, you can still virtually experience Intrepid anywhere! Elysia hosted an interactive pre-show for the Intrepid's monthly Virtual Astronomy Live! in June. "Exploring Origami and Space Science Innovation" highlighted the connection between the ancient art of origami and innovation in space science with special guests Keith Parrish, observatory manager for the James Webb Space Telescope, and Dr. Charlene Morrow, past board chair of OrigamiUSA. Elysia's pre-show featuring an interactive "fold-along" to create your own F-14 Tomcat paper plane! View the program anytime here! |
May . 2020
Elysia obtained a certification as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). NAI's mission serves to advance the profession of heritage interpretation at parks, museums, zoos, and cultural sites in over thirty other nations. She also discussed best practices for creating and producing museum theatre during a session called "Using Theatrical Techniques to Engage Your Audiences" at the (Virtual!) 2020 New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER) Conference. More info at nycmer.org. |
April . 2020
Elysia's historical mini-musical, "'Til the Boys Come Home" (originally performed as site-specific theater at the New York Transit Museum back in 2017) won First Place in the Drama category of the National American Heritage Contest! This year's theme was "Rise and Shine your Light on the 19th Amendment."
"'Til the Boys Come Home" - Two women strike up an unexpected friendship in this immersive musical, set on the New York subway amidst the heightened political tensions of 1917. Journey with them through stories and songs of the Great War era as they discover that their bond runs much deeper than they realize.
Elysia's historical mini-musical, "'Til the Boys Come Home" (originally performed as site-specific theater at the New York Transit Museum back in 2017) won First Place in the Drama category of the National American Heritage Contest! This year's theme was "Rise and Shine your Light on the 19th Amendment."
"'Til the Boys Come Home" - Two women strike up an unexpected friendship in this immersive musical, set on the New York subway amidst the heightened political tensions of 1917. Journey with them through stories and songs of the Great War era as they discover that their bond runs much deeper than they realize.
March . 2020 Over the Airwaves: A 1940s Radio Show was a huge hit at the Intrepid Museum's annual Kids Week festival in February! Elysia also presented Intrepid Space Academy, an interactive demonstration about how astronauts train for the weirdness of space. The Revolutionary Warblers brought the songs of the suffrage movement to life at the annual conference of the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Orlando, Florida. Just days later, Elysia also represented the Intrepid Museum at the National Community Engagement Convening held at Queens Theatre at the site of the old New York World's Fair. |
December . 2019
Thanks for tuning in! Over the Airwaves: A 1940s Radio Show was a smashing success at the Intrepid Museum's annual Toys for Tots event for children and families in transitional housing! Be sure to join our live studio audience and catch the show's next incarnation on the main stage during Kids Week this February! November . 2019 Elysia performed in the show Astronauts Behaving Badly at the Intrepid Museum's annual Gift of Thanksgiving event for families in transitional housing. Looking ahead, she is putting together a brand new 1940's-style radio show for their next large scale community engagement event, Toys for Tots. Stay tuned! |
September . 2019 The Revolutionary Warblers performed a retrospective of early American music from 1607- 1812 at the annual conference of the New York State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Albany, NY. Elysia regularly performs as Elinor Smith: The Flying Flapper of Freeport at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and serves as the Project Director and Lead Teaching Artist for the National Endowment for the Humanities grant-funded program Crossing the Line: Bringing History to Life with Teens which uses historical primary sources as inspiration to create original performance pieces with underserved NYC youth. |
Summer . 2019
This past June, Elysia performed as part of the Revolutionary Warblers at the New York Luncheon, held at the historic Willard Hotel, at the 2019 Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. They performed a program called "Songs of the Suffragists," consisting of stories and songs about the music of the woman suffrage movement. They also had the honor of performing a few songs for all Congress attendees at the popular "Service to America Night," introduced by none other than the DAR President General, herself! For more about the Warblers, visit www.RevolutionaryWarblers.com.
In August, Elysia also presented on Elinor Smith: The Flying Flapper of Freeport at the Live Interactive Planetarium Symposium at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, as well as at the International Museum Theatre Alliance Annual Conference in Indianapolis, IN on her performance outreach work with the Intrepid Museum's "Crossing the Line" program.
May . 2019
Elysia presented at the 2019 New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER) Conference with a member of her team on how they use various styles of art to help teach STEM topics at the museum. Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead! Navigating STEM-Heavy Waters with the Arts also featured a sneak peek at the newly launched Elinor Smith: The Flying Flapper of Freeport performance! She will also be performing a program on songs of the suffrage movement as part of the Revolutionary Warblers at the Colonel Josiah Smith Chapter Spring Luncheon in Bellport, NY in June. |
March . 2019
The Revolutionary Warblers performed a new show, "Flickering Treasures: Songs of the Movies," at the 2019 DAR Maryland State Conference in Ellicott City, MD, as well as their popular "Songs of the Suffragists" show at the Washington, D.C. DAR State Conference. For more about the Warblers, visit www.RevolutionaryWarblers.com!
The Revolutionary Warblers performed a new show, "Flickering Treasures: Songs of the Movies," at the 2019 DAR Maryland State Conference in Ellicott City, MD, as well as their popular "Songs of the Suffragists" show at the Washington, D.C. DAR State Conference. For more about the Warblers, visit www.RevolutionaryWarblers.com!
Winter . 2019
Elysia has been hard at work at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum creating a new costumed performance piece based on the life of late 1920's aviatrix Elinor Smith. Elinor Smith: The Flying Flapper of Freeport In 1928, pioneering aviatrix Elinor Smith became the youngest licensed pilot in the country. Discover what it was like to grow up during the Golden Age of Aviation and fly alongside Elinor as she recounts her record-breaking feats and the daring stunt that made her famous: flying under New York’s four East River Bridges! Additionally, she helped launch the new interactive planetarium show On the Wings of New York, and is the Project Director of the National Endowment for the Humanities grant-funded program Crossing the Line, where she works with teens to create performance pieces based on primary source materials. |
October . 2018
It's been quite a month! Elysia recently performed at Green-Wood Cemetery's annual "Open Doors" event, which invites the public to explore a number of their historic mausoleums with interpreters dressed as the people buried there. Elysia portrayed Marianne Fitch Stranahan, President of the Women’s Relief Association which aided wounded soldiers returning home from the CivilWar and wife of James S.T. Stranahan, considered the "Father of Prospect Park." She also performed as part of the Revolutionary Warblers at the Connecticut DAR State Meeting and at the Colonel Gilbert Potter Chapter, NSDAR Fall Luncheon in Amityville, NY. For more about the Warblers, visit www.RevolutionaryWarblers.com! Finally, Elysia has accepted a position as Lead Teaching Artist at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! In this new role (the first onboard the historic WWII aircraft carrier!), she will create new theatrical programming for visitors as well as lead the NEH grant-funded program Crossing the Line, where she will work with teens to create their own performance pieces based on primary source materials |
September . 2018
Elysia attended and presented at the 2018 International Museum Theatre Alliance's Global Conference in Los Angeles, CA! Her presentation, "A New Train of Thought: Using Technology to Enhance Interactive Storytelling," discussed her work incorporating technology into a museum theatre setting to create more engaging, interactive programming.
Summer . 2018 - Calling all Superheroes-in-training!
Elysia took the helm for summer programming at the New York Transit Museum this year by devising a groundbreaking new type of program for the museum's tour plan – a fully interactive, sleuthing adventure where kids become the superheroes! This innovative programming features two different shows and a number of multimedia clips along the way where campers "interact" with the Chief of Transit Hero Academy to catch a villain causing chaos in New York's subway system. Summer Dates: July 5th - August 17th @ 10:15am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm Calling all superheroes-in-training! New York City is in search of heroes for its transit system! Join us on an interactive, sleuthing adventure where kids come to the rescue as the everyday superheroes of our everyday travels to save NYC’s transit system from a villain’s dastardly plans! Also, keep an eye out for Elysia as a Victorian "Golden Age of Magic" palm reader over two weekends during New York Historical Society's "Summer of Magic": July 21-22 and August 18-19! |
June . 2018 Elysia performed as part of the Revolutionary Warblers at the New York Luncheon, held at the historic Willard Hotel, at the 2018 Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress in Washington, D.C. They performed a sold-out program called "The Buttons Which Bring Us Together," consisting of stories and songs about the history of popular pinback buttons of campaigns and movements from the 1700's to modern day. For more about the Warblers, visit www.RevolutionaryWarblers.com! |
May . 2018 - Votes for Women!
Elysia recently presented with her fellow New-York Historical Society sister suffragists at the 2018 New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER) Conference at Teacher's College, Columbia University. They spoke (in costume!) on bringing the woman suffrage movement in NYC to life via their interactive living history work with the public. |
Spring . 2018 Elysia's new show, "A Ride Under Broadway" had a spectacular run over Spring Break at the New York Transit Museum! Composed mainly of primary source material from the era, this innovative, immersive piece of museum theatre invites guests on a (moving!) adventure to experience what it was like to explore and even ride Beach's groundbreaking train underground in 1870. Spring Break Dates: March 30th & April 3rd-6th @ 11am, 12am, 1pm, 2pm The streets of New York City in the 1860s were overcrowded with streetcars, horses, and people, prompting inventor Alfred Ely Beach to construct (in secret!) a brand new, air-powered train… underground! Discover the excitement of traveling via subway for the very first time on this moving, guided adventure through his revolutionary “Broadway Pneumatic Railway” on its opening day! Elysia also recently performed as Margaret Stephens for Day Habilitation Day at the New York Transit Museum. This special access program allows individuals and groups to explore the museum and learn about the programs we offer for adults with disabilities. |
February . 2018
The Revolutionary Warblers will be performing a SOLD-OUT program on Songs of the Suffragists at the New York City Ritz Carlton this Saturday! Elysia was also featured as Mary Walton for the United Nation's 2018 International Day of Women and Girls in Science! Click here to view a recording of the livestream, broadcast globally by the Association of Science-Technology Centers, creatively promoting women's achievements in science. |
Winter . 2018 - Happy Holidays! Elysia is hard at work writing a new, immersive, museum theatre piece about Alfred Ely Beach and his groundbreaking pneumatic subway, the very first subway in New York City! This show will be presented at the New York Transit Museum over spring break. More details to come! |
November . 2017 Elysia just presented at the CUNY Public History Collective's annual conference: It's Not What You Think: Challenging Assumptions Through Public History. She spoke on a panel with her fellow New-York Historical Society suffragists on bringing the New York woman suffrage movement of 1917 to life through living history... in costume! Fresh off their performances at PLATFORM at the New York Transit Museum, The Colonel Gilbert Potter Luncheon and the DAR Continental Congress, The Revolutionary Warblers (Elysia's patriotic singing duo) also performed a program of songs about Soldiers celebrating Thanksgiving throughout history at a Thanksgiving event for the Sons of Norway. |
October . 2017 Elysia and her performing partner, Gyda, were at it again, performing their new, historical mini-musical at PLATFORM at the New York Transit Museum! "'Til the Boys Come Home" Two women strike up an unexpected friendship in this immersive musical, set on the New York subway amidst the heightened political tensions of 1917. Journey with them through stories and songs of the Great War era as they discover that their bond runs much deeper than they realize. PLATFORM - An evening of site-specific theater, photography, dance, musical saws, and more, all set against the backdrop of our 1936 subway station home. Tuesday, October 17th @ 6pm New York Transit Museum, Downtown Brooklyn More information and tickets: www.nytransitmuseum.org/platform It was a huge hit! Thank you to everyone who came out and shared the journey of Mabel and Alice. They also performed a program of songs about soldiers throughout history at the Fall Fete and Fundraiser Luncheon of the Colonel Gilbert Potter Chapter, NSDAR. |
September . 2017
Elysia is currently portraying a suffragist celebrating the 100th anniversary of the passage of women's suffrage in New York State at the New-York Historical Society and on Governor's Island. In this role she educates families on the history of the women's suffrage movement in NYC through costumed interactions and activities in the museum galleries. She also attended the Annual Conference of the International Museum Theatre Alliance (IMTAL) at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut, where she presented on her special education theatrical work with the New York Transit Museum. |
August . 2017
Elysia and Gyda performed wartime songs from different eras at a fundraising benefit following the Purple Hearts Reunited ceremony at New York City's Federal Hall. This moving ceremony reunited 8 Purple Hearts from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq with the Veteran or the Veteran's family, A few days later, Elysia performed a costumed interpretation about the Women's Building at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair at the beautiful DAR Museum and Library in Washington, DC. |
Summer . 2017
Elysia and her performing partner Gyda just premiered their new program "Drums Rum-Tumming Everywhere: Songs of World War I" at the New York State Luncheon at the 126th Continental Congress of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC. The program was such a hit, that they've had numerous requests for repeat performances, as well as for additional themed programs! Elysia also just opened her new show about inventors and subway-cleaning as part of "Maker Station" summer programming at the New York Transit Museum. All summer she'll be donning a neon pink and purple wig and playing Wanda Wishy, half of the intergalactic cleaning duo the WishyWashy Cleaning Corp., LLC. with their ground-breaking invention: the SubwayScrubber 90210! |
05 . 23 . 2017 Elysia was recently elected to the board of directors for the International Museum Theatre Alliance (IMTAL) and attended the annual meeting of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as the New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER) conference at the School of Visual Arts in NYC. |
What mode of transportation do you turn to when a hurricane pelts the city with rain or a blizzard blankets it in snow? Join us for a (surprise!) rap battle between a New York City Bus and Subway to finally answer the age-old question, “WHO IS BETTER PREPARED FOR WILD WEATHER?” Modeled after the hit web series Epic Rap Battles of History, get ready for three rounds of riotous rhymes that are simultaneously hilarious and educational! Who wins? YOU DECIDE!
Winter . 2016 Elysia is currently portraying 1800s citizen-scientist Mary Walton (and periodically the lovable Margaret Stephens from 1964!) at the New York Transit Museum and will be remounting her show Electricity Live! for Winter Break programming! Last month, she performed in an Andrews Sisters-inspired trio called the Liberty Belles in a fundraiser called "Remember Pearl Harbor" hosted by the NSDAR Knickerbocker Chapter at the Back Room. The commemorative benefit was a huge success and featured historic radio broadcasts from December 7, 1941, a "victory roll bar," and authentic eats from the 40's. Proud to have been a part of it, be on the lookout for more appearances by the Liberty Belles in the future! |
9 . 5 . 2016
Elysia just wrapped up summer performances of Epic Rap Battles of Transportation at the New York Transit Museum. What a blast! We had an amazing response from visitors and even did an encore performance for "big kids" at Camp Wanna-Catcha-Train, our adults-only summer camp event! Next up she will be performing all day at Atlantic Antic, the oldest and largest street festival in Brooklyn! She will be masquerading as a disco diva from 1976 to promote the 40th anniversary of the New York Transit Museum, and will be roaming near Bus Fest cracking jokes and teaching the latest dance craze: the "Bus Hustle"... Groovy! |
Summer . 2016 Elysia is performing all summer long in a brand new show that she created uniquely for the New York Transit Museum's 2016 Summer Camp Programming! This summer's theme is "Wild Weather," and what better way to educate and entertain than with an Epic Rap Battles of Transportation!? What mode of transportation do you turn to when a hurricane pelts the city with rain or a blizzard blankets it in snow? Join us for a (surprise!) rap battle between a New York City Bus and Subway to finally answer the age-old question, “WHO IS BETTER PREPARED FOR WILD WEATHER?” Modeled after the hit web series Epic Rap Battles of History, get ready for three rounds of riotous rhymes that are simultaneously hilarious and educational! Who wins? YOU DECIDE! |
6 . 16 . 2016
Celebrate America! Elysia performed for over 4,000 guests (and more on the Internet!) in the Opening Night Ceremony of the 125th Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress at historic Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. She portrayed Blanche H. Perkins, head of the Ellis Island Committee in the 1920's, in a dramatic retrospective illustrating the breadth and impact of actual Daughters’ service work through the decades since the 1890 founding of D.A.R. |
She is currently in rehearsals for an "epic" new piece for the New York Transit Museum's summer programming. Stay tuned...
She is currently in rehearsals for an "epic" new piece for the New York Transit Museum's summer programming. Stay tuned...
6 . 10 . 2016
Elysia is headed to Washington, D.C. for a special surprise performance at the Opening Night Ceremony of the 125th Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress at Constitution Hall! Opening Night and 125th Celebrations - Wednesday, June 15, 2016 No member will want to miss the historic Opening Night Ceremony of the milestone 125th Continental Congress. In addition to the thrilling pageantry, the ceremony will feature an original dramatic presentation that celebrates our National Society’s 125 years of service to America – complete with several very special surprise guests! |
5 . 17 . 2016
Elysia recently attended an on-camera workshop at SAG-AFTRA with casting director Kim Moarefi.
Next up, she is currently writing an "epic" new piece for the New York Transit Museum's summer programming! She is also creating a brand new historical character and rehearsing for her surprise performance in D.C. next month. More info to come!
Elysia recently attended an on-camera workshop at SAG-AFTRA with casting director Kim Moarefi.
Next up, she is currently writing an "epic" new piece for the New York Transit Museum's summer programming! She is also creating a brand new historical character and rehearsing for her surprise performance in D.C. next month. More info to come!
4 . 15 . 2016 Elysia will be performing over Spring Break in an (updated!) revival of Electricity LIVE!, an original, interactive show that she co-wrote and animated, at the New York Transit Museum! Spring Break Dates: April 26-29 @ 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm Free with Museum admission Discover the secrets of how electric current travels along the third rail to power the NYC subway in this electrifying, learn-out-loud, interactive show. We'll travel through time and meet with some of history's greatest inventors to get the subway (and you) moving! |
3 . 4 . 2016
Elysia has just been cast in an exciting new surprise project this summer with the Daughters of the American Revolution at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.!
Elysia has just been cast in an exciting new surprise project this summer with the Daughters of the American Revolution at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.!
2 . 16 . 2016
It's back! Tunes Under New York will be revived for public performances during Midwinter Break at the New York Transit Museum! Come laugh, learn and DANCE along with this American Idol-style show featuring Elysia as some silly subway performers! February 16-19 @ 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm Free with Museum admission Inspired by the actual audition process for MTA’s Music Under New York program, this interactive show will introduce students to the lives of subway performers by allowing them to "judge" a final round of auditions. A colorful cast of quirky characters will compete for the right to perform beneath their very own iconic Music Under New York banner, and students might even get a chance to perform right alongside them! |
Winter . 2015
Elysia is currently performing as "Mary Walton," a forward thinking woman in the late 1800's who improved upon the noise and air pollution of the elevated trains of New York City, at the New York Transit Museum.
10 . 26 . 2015
Elysia performed in a concert of songs from the new piece Elevator Heart by Sara Cooper with music by Amy Burgess, Julia Meinwald and Julianne Wick-Davis at Dixon Place. Very excited to follow the progress of this incredible new show!
Elysia performed in a concert of songs from the new piece Elevator Heart by Sara Cooper with music by Amy Burgess, Julia Meinwald and Julianne Wick-Davis at Dixon Place. Very excited to follow the progress of this incredible new show!
9 . 21 . 2015
Elysia is currently writing two new characters for Journey to the Past school programming at the New York Transit Museum!
Meet "Mary Walton," a forward thinking woman in the late 1800's who improved upon the noise and air pollution of the elevated trains of New York City, and "Marshall Mabey," a sandhog who survived a blowout of the Montague Tunnel under the East River in 1916. Coming this Fall!
She will also be performing in another sneak-peek concert of songs from Elevator Heart, an all-female ensemble musical theatre piece that takes place over the course of a single open mic night. "The open mic night to drop all mics."
Monday, October 26th @ 7:30pm
Dixon Place Lounge 161A Chrystie Street, NYC
book & lyrics by Sara Cooper
music by Amy Burgess, Julia Meinwald, and Julianne Wick-Davis
Elysia is currently writing two new characters for Journey to the Past school programming at the New York Transit Museum!
Meet "Mary Walton," a forward thinking woman in the late 1800's who improved upon the noise and air pollution of the elevated trains of New York City, and "Marshall Mabey," a sandhog who survived a blowout of the Montague Tunnel under the East River in 1916. Coming this Fall!
She will also be performing in another sneak-peek concert of songs from Elevator Heart, an all-female ensemble musical theatre piece that takes place over the course of a single open mic night. "The open mic night to drop all mics."
Monday, October 26th @ 7:30pm
Dixon Place Lounge 161A Chrystie Street, NYC
book & lyrics by Sara Cooper
music by Amy Burgess, Julia Meinwald, and Julianne Wick-Davis
8 . 24 . 2015
Elysia just closed a summer-long run of her original show Tunes Under New York at the New York Transit Museum and it was a HUGE hit! When asked what they liked most about their visit, groups overwhelmingly responded with "the show," adding, "it was definitely the highlight of the day!" One group even asked for the song lyrics: "our students were trying to sing them on the train ride home!"
Due to the show's success, the museum might bring it back for public programming during this coming Winter and Spring Breaks. Stay tuned!
Elysia just closed a summer-long run of her original show Tunes Under New York at the New York Transit Museum and it was a HUGE hit! When asked what they liked most about their visit, groups overwhelmingly responded with "the show," adding, "it was definitely the highlight of the day!" One group even asked for the song lyrics: "our students were trying to sing them on the train ride home!"
Due to the show's success, the museum might bring it back for public programming during this coming Winter and Spring Breaks. Stay tuned!
Summer . 2015 Elysia is currently performing in Tunes Under New York, a fun new show that she helped create about subway performers! She'll be singing and dancing all summer long during the Art in Motion summer program at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn. Inspired by the actual audition process for MTA’s Music Under New York program, this interactive show will introduce students to the lives of subway performers by allowing them to "judge" a final round of auditions. A colorful cast of quirky characters will compete for the right to perform beneath their very own iconic Music Under New York banner, and students might even get a chance to perform right alongside them! |
5 . 10 . 2015
Following the success of Electricity LIVE!, Elysia has been commissioned to help create and star in another show at the New York Transit Museum for their summer camp programming! This new production will expose visitors to the competitive audition process for MTA Arts & Design's Music Under New York program in a fun & engaging way. Every year over 350 acts participate in this program, providing a variety of performances at 30 highly visible locations throughout the NYC transit system. Annual auditions are held in Grand Central Terminal to add new performers to the roster, in an attempt to reflect the culture and diversity of the people of New York City. A panel of professionals judge each of the five minute performances based on quality, variety, and appropriateness for the mass transit environment. Get ready for an outrageous summer of music & mayhem! |
4 . 27 . 2015
Elysia was a special guest speaker at the 2015 Harrison Science Symposium! This event showcased the work of 32 high-level science research students who will go on compete at local and regional fairs. During the program, she spoke about her science research experience and her first place win at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, as well as how the skills she garnered participating in research has led her to a creative career as an actress. |
3 . 15 . 2015
Jumpin' Jiggawatts! Elysia will be returning this April in Electricity LIVE! – a new, interactive show at the New York Transit Museum which she co-wrote and animated.
The show was originally sponsored by Time Warner Cable as part of S.T.E.M. family programming during mid-winter school vacation at the museum.
Discover the secrets of how electric current travels along the third rail to power the NYC subway in this electrifying, learn-out-loud, interactive show. We'll travel through time and meet with some of history's greatest inventors to get the subway (and you) moving!
Spring Break Dates:
April 3, 10 @ 10:30am, 11:30am
April 7-9 @ 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
Jumpin' Jiggawatts! Elysia will be returning this April in Electricity LIVE! – a new, interactive show at the New York Transit Museum which she co-wrote and animated.
The show was originally sponsored by Time Warner Cable as part of S.T.E.M. family programming during mid-winter school vacation at the museum.
Discover the secrets of how electric current travels along the third rail to power the NYC subway in this electrifying, learn-out-loud, interactive show. We'll travel through time and meet with some of history's greatest inventors to get the subway (and you) moving!
Spring Break Dates:
April 3, 10 @ 10:30am, 11:30am
April 7-9 @ 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm
Elysia will also be performing in a first-look concert of songs from Elevator Heart,
a new all-female ensemble musical about being a woman right here, right now. Saturday, April 11th @ 7:00pm Dixon Place Lounge 161A Chrystie Street, NYC book & lyrics by Sara Cooper music by Amy Burgess, Hannah Kohl, Julia Meinwald, and Julianne Wick-Davis |
1 . 13 . 2015
Elysia has been commissioned to help create and star in a new show at the New York Transit Museum all about electricity and how the subway uses it! The show, sponsored by Time Warner Cable, will run February 17-22, coinciding with S.T.E.M. family programming during mid-winter school vacation.
Elysia has been commissioned to help create and star in a new show at the New York Transit Museum all about electricity and how the subway uses it! The show, sponsored by Time Warner Cable, will run February 17-22, coinciding with S.T.E.M. family programming during mid-winter school vacation.
|
8 . 9 . 2014
Elysia is currently starring in the new show Things I Left On Long Island at the New York International Fringe Festival! This beautiful play was written by Sara Cooper (Transport Group's The Memory Show & 2014 recipient of the American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant) and is directed by Noah Himmelstein (Andrew Lippa's I Am Harvey Milk) at the Players Loft in Greenwich Village. Visit www.ThingsILeftOnLongIsland.com for more info!
Show Dates & Times:
SAT 8/9 6pm - 7:15pm / TUE 8/12 9pm - 10:15pm / THU 8/14 4:30pm - 5:45pm
SUN 8/17 1:45pm - 3pm / THU 8/21 9pm - 10:15pm / SUN 8/24 1:45pm - 3pm
Elysia is currently starring in the new show Things I Left On Long Island at the New York International Fringe Festival! This beautiful play was written by Sara Cooper (Transport Group's The Memory Show & 2014 recipient of the American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant) and is directed by Noah Himmelstein (Andrew Lippa's I Am Harvey Milk) at the Players Loft in Greenwich Village. Visit www.ThingsILeftOnLongIsland.com for more info!
Show Dates & Times:
SAT 8/9 6pm - 7:15pm / TUE 8/12 9pm - 10:15pm / THU 8/14 4:30pm - 5:45pm
SUN 8/17 1:45pm - 3pm / THU 8/21 9pm - 10:15pm / SUN 8/24 1:45pm - 3pm
7 . 8 . 2014
Groovy! Elysia has begun performances as "Margaret Stephens," a bubbly aspiring journalist headed to the 1964 World's Fair! She will be performing all summer on board the vintage R-33S subway car at the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn.
6 . 10 . 2014
Beehives and "Bluebirds" and Beatles, oh my! Elysia has been asked to write a new character for the New York Transit Museum's "World's Fair" themed summer programming.
It promises to be "outta sight"... Stay tuned..
5 . 1 . 2014
Fabulous news! Things I Left On Long Island, a beautiful new play by Sara Cooper (Transport Group's The Memory Show and 2014 recipient of the American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant) will be premiering in the New York International Fringe Festival! Elysia has previously workshopped this piece twice (Theater for the New City and Dixon Place) and has been re-cast as the lead, Marny. Dates and more info to come!
When 28-year-old Marny finds a lump in her breast, she moves in with her mother. Pretending she isn't flunking adulthood, she must either succomb to the whims of a family in crisis, or take back her life — and her play.
Fabulous news! Things I Left On Long Island, a beautiful new play by Sara Cooper (Transport Group's The Memory Show and 2014 recipient of the American Theatre Wing's Jonathan Larson Grant) will be premiering in the New York International Fringe Festival! Elysia has previously workshopped this piece twice (Theater for the New City and Dixon Place) and has been re-cast as the lead, Marny. Dates and more info to come!
When 28-year-old Marny finds a lump in her breast, she moves in with her mother. Pretending she isn't flunking adulthood, she must either succomb to the whims of a family in crisis, or take back her life — and her play.
4 . 15 . 2014
A brand new look for the site! Enjoy!
A brand new look for the site! Enjoy!