We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elissa Piszel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elissa below.

Elissa, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Passion, Luck, Charisma, Relationships, Patience, Adaptability, Work Ethic Emotional Depth, Strong Sense-Belief and Marketing Skills. Some performers have instant success and become celebrities, Many actors have non-linear careers that lead to unpredictable paths and have to develop a strong sense of self and have to get another job to support themselves. All of these qualities that I’ve listed above served me to get to where I am now. Premiering in an upcoming Netflix TV Mini Series with Julianne Moore, working with Andre De Shields, Director Robert Sweeting Jr. and Producer Pete Dorton in the film The Entertainer and writing my next screenplay for the feature “Behind The Steam”.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an award-winning Broadway actress, writer, producer, and creative professional with a diverse range of projects in development. Originally from Bethlehem. PA, I began my artistic journey through summer theater and ballet before relocating to New York City to pursue my passion. I studied under Lee Strasberg at NYU where I honed my craft and further developed my skills. Later, I founded a theater company in the heart of midtown Manhattan, producing several Off-Broadway plays and cabarets. This led to my Broadway Debut in “Kicking a Dead Horse” at The Public Theater, where I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Oscar nominee Stephen Rea under the direction of the esteemed Sam Shepard. Sam Shepard himself informed me that Stephen specifically requested to work with me, citing my authenticity and my expertise in movement as key elements that contributed to my casting. I’ve always believed that movement is a powerful storytelling tool and it continues to inform my approach to both theater and film . Theater will always be home and I am deeply passionate about teaching. I’ve had the opportunity to teach movement and acting in my hometown, paying it forward the invaluable lessons I received from some of the most respected names in the industry, including Mike Nichols, Gene Hackman, Earl Hyman, Paul Sills and Uta Hagen. I have been fortunate to learn from such incredible mentors, and it’s important to me to share that knowledge with the next generation of artists. My journey into film and television began when I met Darren Stein, former classmate at NYU, and Director of critically acclaimed film “Jawbreaker ” . Although I starred in a number of films during my time at NYU it wasn’t until I began auditioning in earnest that I truly embraced my passion for the craft. My role as Countess Van Goren in Woody Allen’s
“ Cafe Society” marked a pivotal moment in my career, where I realized that period pieces would be a perfect fit for my sense and sensibilities.
Creating my own films gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I believe in knowing where you fit in is crucial in this business.
I, currently, have a film “Domestic Bliss” making the festival circuit, directed by Ben Van Bergen, where I play Carla. A film about two exes who are locked in a battle for their former apartment. My last short film Ellie’s Perk which I wrote and starred in is being made into a feature called “Behind The Steam” where I will be the Executive Producer and Writer. It’s based on a girl obsessed with coffee. I am most proud of my relationships that I have sustained in the creative field over the years.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My resilience comes from me having a disability. I never let my disability hold me back from accomplishing my goals. Yes it is in the back of my mind, but it’s what makes me stronger, more compassionate, resourceful independent, and empathetic.
I take this into consideration when I hire people for my projects . Using one’s weaknesses are often one’s strengths.
My disability has become my super power.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

I met Debra Lord Cooke of MoonShadow Pictures LLC on the set of Woody Allen’s Cafe Society. We were both cast in his film I was Countess Van Goren.
She and I clicked very quickly and I cast her in my short film Ellie’s Perk as Peggy, the Upper East Side Snob. Soon after she contacted me because she had a script about two sisters that Alvin Case had written and she wanted me to play the other sister . Fast forward, our film “In The Moon’s Shadow” is now on Amazon Prime, XFINITY and four other streaming platforms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elissapiszel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissapiszel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elissapiszel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissapiszel

Image Credits

Jeffrey Mosier Photography
Dan Lane Williams
Steve Frederick
Greenapple Entertainment