Meet Elbi Elm, CTC’s 2018–2019 Howard University Theatre Arts Fellow
Children’s Theatre Company continues their long-time relationship with Howard University as it welcomes the newest Theatre Arts Fellow: Elbi Elm!
Elbi Elm is the fifth fellow hand-picked by the Howard University Theatre Arts Administration program. Elbi Elm comes to CTC after a very unique entrance into the arts. “Upon graduating high school, I enlisted in the United States Air Force, although I learned more about myself as a leader, a single mother, and a service member, I lost the ability to exercise my creativity,” reflects Elbi.
After serving nine years, Elbi was accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) Performing Arts Program where she performed in the first virtual reality musical Say it with Music, directed a full production of Danai Gurira’s ECLIPSED, and earned a Student-Emmy award as a member of the writing staff for the first collegiate-level, student-produced, live-production, multi-camera sitcom The Buzz. But the role she most appreciated was as President of the Multicultural Alliance Theatre (MAT). Under her leadership, the organization provided students with an opportunity to exhibit their innovative talents and promote diversity throughout the university.
Elbi Elm was accepted as a transfer student into the Theatre Arts Administration program at Howard University. “Howard University’s mission and core values aligned with my own personal values and core beliefs,” stated Elbi. “I knew I wanted to surround myself among avid and motivated students of color, who like me, wanted to grow and develop their creative abilities.” While at Howard, Elbi has further refined her leadership capabilities as an assistant production manager and as a marketing manager where she learned all about running schedules, event planning, brand development, and public relations. “The professors at Howard really helped me focus on what my interests are, and how to focus them into an obtainable career goal.”
During a meeting, Elbi and her advisor, Professor Robin Harris, head of the Theatre Arts Administration program, discussed post-graduation plans. Professor Harris tasked Elbi with an assignment on learning about the many programs of Children’s Theatre Company. “After doing research on CTC —I was hooked. I wanted to learn how CTC has been so successful over the years, and how they’ve been able to continue the tradition of inspiring young people to ignite their imagination. As a single mother, I encourage my own son to pursue his creative interests, and I love that CTC is a catalyst for all young people to connect to the world of theatre. Ultimately, I knew that CTC would be an amazing institution for me to learn and launch my career.”
After being selected as a Howard Fellow, Elbi thought immediately to what she’d like to accomplish, “Because of my long-term career aspirations, I knew that a focus on executive leadership would be how I could cultivate the skills needed to make those dreams come true.” Elbi aspires to one day open her own café cabaret because she “wants to create a community beacon for the young at heart.” Here at CTC, she’ll get an opportunity to experience all avenues of professional theatre arts administration.
As a Howard Fellow, Elbi has the liberty to chart her own course within the company as the program is geared toward allowing the fellow to decide which department fits best with their overarching career goals. She states, “As a black woman in the arts, I have recognized the dire lack of diversity in top leadership and executive positions, and I am glad that CTC has partnered with Howard University to bring about an intentional cultivation of qualified leaders of color. I hope that I can expound upon my opportunity and help create inclusive and expressive spaces for others like me.”
Elbi is an avid Prince fan. She remarks “All I knew about Minneapolis was what Prince shared on Purple Rain.” She mentioned that she is a little nervous about the Minnesota winters, but has loved the culture and vibe of the city. “Minneapolis isn’t like any other city I’ve lived in, and I really think I could stay here for a long time.” We look forward to working alongside Elbi and hope the winters don’t scare her off.
Other Fun Facts
· 8-year-old son named Langston
· Life has taught her that progress is evolutionary
· Howard University has taught her that constriction breeds creativity
· Wants to make a positive impact on minority youth
· Plans on visiting every coffee shop in the Twin Cities at least once
· Plans on learning guitar and taking up CrossFit while in the Twin Cities
· Has 2 sisters and 5 brothers (She is the oldest girl and the second oldest child)
· When she retires she either wants to be an Artistic Director of a small theatre or become an adjunct professor at a liberal arts university and travel around the world during the “off-seasons” or summer breaks
Learn more about Children’s Theatre Company’s partnership with Howard University here.
