Eli hails from the culturally rich and vibrant city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, a place where the blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences has created a unique and fascinating cultural landscape.
Before pursuing his passion for the performing arts, Eli attended The University of New Mexico, where he likely immersed himself in the state's rich cultural heritage and developed a strong foundation in the arts. He then went on to further his education at The Theatre School at DePaul University, one of the most prestigious theatre programs in the country.
But Eli's journey didn't follow a traditional path. He took a year-long break from formal education to travel the country by train as a clown with the iconic Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. This unconventional experience likely honed his skills in improvisation, physical comedy, and audience interaction.
Eli's extensive theatre credits are a testament to his versatility and range as a performer. He has appeared in a wide range of productions, including "Intimate Apparel" and "World Set Free" at Steppenwolf Theatre, "The Action Against Sol Schumann" at Victory Gardens, "Return of the Hip Messiah" at Prop THTR / Second City, "The Last Night at Ballyhoo" at Mercury Theatre, "Incident at Vichy" at Writers Theatre, "Comedy of Errors" and "Much Ado About Nothing" at Chicago Shakespeare, and "Wit" and "A Christmas Carol" at Actors Theatre of Louisville, among many others.
