Ms. Puff obtained her Bachelor in Speech from Northwestern University’s (NU) nationally renowned Theatre Department where she studied under two Tony award winning directors. After matriculating from NU, she continued her studies at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. Although a classical trained actress, Ellen developed an interest in directing; she produced, directed, and adapted literature for the stage, working with professional Equity ensembles in Chicago and San Francisco. In Los Angeles, she worked as a production assistant on several films and videos and worked as a stage manager at an Equity theatre. She also served as a dramaturge at the prestigious Eugene O’Neill National Playwriting Festival in Waterford, Connecticut under the late Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson. In 2001, she received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas. She is a licensed Secondary English Language Arts, Speech, and Theatre Arts teacher. Ms. Puff has taught for over a decade in public, private, and alternative school settings in the Twin Cities. In between teaching assignments, she was the Director of Communications & Public Engagement for the Minnesota State Arts Board.