Today, we’d like to introduce you to Ray Ellis.
Hi Ray, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have been in Savannah, GA, for 56 years. My family moved here when I was four years old. I grew up on the south side of Savannah, and then my family moved to Ardsley Park when I was around 14 years old. I went to Savannah Public Schools until middle school. I attended Savannah Christian Prep from 6th grade to 12 grade.
For my graduation present, my parents paid for my trip with the All-American Band and Chorus European Tour. To pay them back, I agreed to attend Armstrong State College, now Georgia Southern, for two years. I was a Music Major. I liked what was happening, so I stayed and graduated from Armstrong State College.
MY MUSICAL TEACHING LIFE. I graduated in 1982 and became the Chorus teacher at Myers Middle School for five years, then Liberty County High School and Snelson Golden Middle School for seven years, and my last 18 years at South Effingham High School and South Effing Middle School. I retired in 2019. I taught part-time at Savannah Classical School for one year after I retired.
While at South Effingham High School, I taught Chorus, Drama, and Piano. I developed the drama program while at SEHS. We were very active in the International Thespian Society and Georgia Thespian Society. We produced and participated in the Georgia High School Association’s One-act play competition and Literary Competition.
MY CHURCH WORK LIFE: In my sophomore year, 1983, I became the music director at Taliaferro Baptist Church. I have worked in a church as a music director or pianist since 1983. Currently, I am the Minister of Music at Asbury Memorial Church. I have been in this position since 2000.
MY COMMUNITY THEATRICAL LIFE: I started acting in community theatre 1984 at STAGE SIDE DESSERTS, run by Tom Coleman.
This started my love for the stage. I used to do show after show after show. Some of my favorite shows are The Wizard of Oz as the Cowardly Lion, The Father in Children of Eden, The Baker in INTO THE WOODS, Rooster in Annie, Jesus in Cotton Patch Gospel, Marvin in the Falsettos, and Jerry in The Full Monty just to name a few.
MY PROFESSIONAL ACTING LIFE: I am currently trying to get involved with film and voice-over work. I have done three commercials for the Jacksonville area.
MY SECOND JOB LIFE: I am a Caregiver with Coastal Care Partners. I LOVE being a caregiver. It is not always an easy job, but it is VERY fulfilling. Right now, I have five clients with whom I work regularly.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am very lucky that things have worked out for me without much struggle. I have had to work hard for everything, but no real challenges to overcome. You have been very blessed in my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love to be creative in any way that I can. Theater/Acting is my second life. I get rejuvenated attending the late rehearsal and working on a production, on stage or off stage. If I specialized in anything, it would be musical theatre. I love being on the stage and singing!
Nowadays, I am trying to “break into” the film world. I have about three commercials under my belt. I am continuing to study and take classes to sharpen my skills in this area.
I have been told that I am very easy to work with. I come to my job prepared which directors like, it helps to make things run smoothly. I am also very flexible with all of my jobs. I can switch gears pretty quickly.
Any big plans?
The next big thing is to be discovered for a full-length movie. I don’t necessarily want to be a STAR, but I will not complain about it if it happens. Then, when my husband can retire, I will retire the second time, and we will have time to travel and do whatever we would like to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rayellistalent.com
