Roger Ellis

Instructor

“Roger Ellis is a dynamic Lucid Body teacher with a profound understanding of the work's effectiveness. He walks the talk, and therefore, knows from personal experience what it means to offer his students a way into themselves, safely, with mindfulness, joy and empathy. You are in good hands with this old soul, who will enlarge your spirit and your physical acting skills.”

–Fay Simpson, founder of The Lucid Body 

Roger Ellis (he/they) began their Lucid Body journey in 2013 while seeking an acting process that integrates mind, body, and imagination with athleticism, care, and practical application. Through sustained study, assisting, and training with Lucid Body founder, Fay Simpson, Roger has honed a teaching approach that is structured, consent-forward, and grounded in lived practice. 

With over 20 years as a theatre and film professional and 17 years of teaching experience, Roger brings a detailed understanding of how psychophysical training translates to rehearsal rooms, performance conditions, and long term sustainability. Their work as an actor, director, movement director, and dramaturg has been produced at Writers Theatre, Steppenwolf LookOut Series, Cairo International Festival of Experimental Theatre, National Alliance for Musical Theatre Festival, Paramount Theatre, and Sacramento Music Circus. And their award-winning filmmaking, has screened internationally at Cinequest, Black Harvest (Gene Siskel Center), BronzeLens, Pan African Film Festival, and Melbourne Lift-Off.

Roger is an Assistant Professor and head of movement for the MFA Acting Program at Northwestern University. They have also served as a guest artist and/or adjunct faculty at Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, Boston University, University of the Arts, Marymount Manhattan College, and Pace University.

Roger holds an MFA in Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre) from San Diego State University and a BA in Theatre Performance from Oklahoma City University. Roger has trained extensively in Viewpoints with originator Mary Overlie, Anne Bogart, and SITI Company, Trauma-Informed Yoga with Bodywise Institute, and Grotowski with Stephen Wangh.

Roger is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Actors’ Equity Association, and the National Alliance of Acting Teachers.

For more information about Roger visit rogerellis.com

For more information about The Lucid Body visit lucidbody.com