Alumni Spotlight: Eila Mell

Bio

Eila Mell is the author of 8 books including Designing Broadway, New York Fashion Week, Casting Might-Have-Beens and the official guide to the television series Project Runway. She has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Elle, Glamour, Project Runway, The Insider, Broadway World and many more. She is the co-host of the podcast Jiffy Pop Culture with her Usdan friend Frank Liotti. Eila is currently working with The American Theatre Wing on a book celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Tony Awards and with Carol Burnett on #themajesticisfitforaPrince, the campaign they launched to rename the Majestic Theatre in honor of Hal Prince. 

What was your favorite class or Usdan activity?

My favorite activity at Usdan was participating in the productions as a Theater Major. 

What is your favorite Usdan memory?

I don’t have one favorite memory of my four summers at Usdan. Every single day was an absolute joy. I couldn’t wait for the weekends to end so I could get back to camp! The friends I made at Usdan are my friends to this day, and we still cherish that special time together. 

How did your experience as a Usdan student prepare you to contribute creatively to your community?

My teachers at Usdan gave me so much confidence, which helped me to make a career for myself in the arts - a very competitive industry. 

Thank U for sharing your story, Eila!