SHELBY ELLIS
Judy • Trouble in Mind
Shelby is excited to be making her PBTS debut. Her favorite past roles include Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit (A.C.T.) and four characters in Let Me Down Easy (The 5 & Dime Theatre Co.). She directed The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at A.C.T. in 2023. Shelby also helps with costuming, makeup, and hair for productions where she works, Greenwood School. In her spare time, Shelby enjoys arts and crafts, being outside, traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, Zach, and their 7 pets. She’d like to thank Zach for always supporting her pursuit of the arts and she’d like to dedicate this performance to the memory of her high school drama teacher, Shirley Sacks.
What made you audition for this show?
I always appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself, especially when there is a powerful message involved. I relish in an acting challenge as well. Also, I have worked with this director before and wanted to work with him again.
How do you relate to the character you’re portraying?
Judy’s naïveté and optimism are reminiscent of a Shelby in days gone by. I am biracial (Hispanic/White) but I am white-presenting and therefore grew up with all of the societal privilege that entails. I was guilty of Judy’s “We’re all the same– why can’t we just get along?” sheltered worldview when I was younger. As I matured, learned, and formed relationships throughout adulthood, my allyship has matured along with me. I also relate to Judy’s desire to be universally well-liked while still trying to stand up for what is right.
If you had to describe the show in one word, what would it be?
“Thought-provoking.”
What do you want people to take away from this show?
Judy would say: “That people are the same. That people are…well, you know. That people are people.” But that isn’t really nuanced enough for me. I want people to take away that the human experience differs for everyone. We are treated differently by every person we encounter, based on how they perceive our race, gender, attractiveness, level of education, and so on. We should be gracious to each other in deference to these experiences.
Why should patrons come to support/attend the show?
“Art! Art is a wonderful thing!” -Wiletta. Support and attend this show because its message, though 70 years old, is sadly still relevant to us all. Support local art for the outlet and healing it provides to people like me.
TROUBLE IN MIND
Written by Alice Childress
Directed by Zach Rivera
Mainstage • May 10 – 26, 2024
A talented and experienced Black actress has been cast in Chaos in Belleville, an anti-lynching play set to open on Broadway. She’s paid her dues throughout the years, playing stereotypical supporting roles in second-rate shows, and is ready for her star turn. Chaos in Belleville, written by a white playwright, might not be quite as enlightened a piece as she’s been hoping for — but that doesn’t mean it won’t sell out. And selling out is the question at the heart of Alice Childress’s comedy-drama. A cast of multigenerational Black actors rehearse under the purview of a white director and stage manager, and as the rehearsal process unfolds, theatre conventions and racial politics collide, resulting in a surprisingly funny yet deeply piercing look at the entertainment industry.
