Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elyssa Nicole Trust. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Elyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I’m currently working right now on my pilot Observance, adapted from my play of the same name. Observance is the story of a Ba’alat Teshuvah, a secular Jewish person who returns to G-d and becomes religious. This story is so close to my heart. It is a story that promotes acceptance and respect for those who see differently from you. The script sheds a positive light on the Jewish experience, shows women finding joy and meaning in observance, and bridges the gap between observant and secular Judaism. We have an all-female and all-Jewish creative team and I am beyond excited about the team working on it.We will be launching our crowdfunding campaign in May.

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

My name is Elyssa (rhymes with Melissa.) I’m an actor and writer for the stage and screen. Within those disciplines, I am an actor, singer, voiceover artist, playwright, screenwriter, published children’s book author (Daisy Moves to America), and co-host of the industry podcast Positive Creativity.

I thrive in collaborative, supportive communities and believe that artists can all be an incredible resource for one another. There is so much to learn from others and it’s exciting to meet people with different ideas and perspectives.

My artistic journey reflects a blend of starting before I was ready, persisting in creating art uninhibited by gatekeepers, and releasing my work into the universe amidst uncertainty. I also recognize that that I don’t have all of the skills necessary for a project to come to fruition, and collaborate with artists who have expertise in areas that I do not. Every year, I have a one word phrase that guides my year. One year it was, “ideas into action.” Another year it was “share your work.” This year, it’s “that’s a wrap.” These phrases help me figure out what to prioritize and how to spend my time.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goals as artist is to use my voice (as an actor, writer, and woman) to empower others. To allow others to feel seen, heard, and understood. I aim to create work that breaks down barriers, challenges the status quo, and defies stereotypes. My work focuses on women’s issues, sustainability, and Judaism. I am passionate about celebrating the Jewish experience and humanizing Jews from all backgrounds. There’s been increasing anti-semitism surging in our country, and I strongly believe in telling Jewish stories and expressing why people find meaning and joy in Judaism. In all of my work, I hope to portray the experiences of observant and non-observant Jews alike. My hope is to participate in theatre and film that takes an empathetic approach to both religious and secular Judaism, and shows the vital role that women play in the Jewish religion.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Collaboration is truly at the heart of my creative process. The exchange of different ideas and perspectives enhances the depth and quality of our collective work. I find fulfillment in nurturing meaningful connections within the artistic community, and am endlessly inspired by other creatives. This collaborative spirit not only fuels my creativity but also contributes to my personal and professional growth, providing opportunities for self-discovery and a deeper understanding of both myself and the world around me.

It’s also fulfilling to hear how my work resonates with others. During the run of the play version of “Observance” at FringeNYC, a woman approached me to share that the play helped her understand her daughter better. When my book “Daisy Moves to America” was published, numerous parents reached out to tell me that it helped their children navigate the challenges of moving. Following a reading of my play “I Am My Beloved’s,” an audience member of the Orthodox and LGBTQ communities expressed feeling seen. Knowing that my work has the potential to impact people in this way inspires me to continue creating and sharing more of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elyssanicoletrust.com
• Instagram: @elyssanicoletrust
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/observancepilot

Image Credits
Mari Uchida