MEET OUR FOUNDER

De’asia Ellis is the Founder and Artistic Director of Baltimore Lab Project. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education Policy and a Master of Education with a concentration in at-risk and diverse learners. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. 
 

De’asia began dancing at age 5 and trained at numerous dance studios across Baltimore City from ages 5–11. From ages 9–14, she attended the Baltimore School for the Arts TWIGS program for theatre, and from ages 12–18 she attended Arena Players, where she performed in productions including The Wiz, 13 the Musical, and Metaphasia and received training in dance, theatre, stage production, and character development.
 

She has previously taught and choreographed works at Arena Players, Dynamix Dance Corp, and Carroll School of Dance, working with both recreational and competition dancers. Her musical theatre work at Arena Players has included choreographing productions such as Into the Woods, Annie, and Bring It! The Musical, directing The Jungle Book in Summer 2022, and choreographing and producing High School Musical 2 in Summer 2025. Most recently, she directed and produced Newsies Jr. at Arena Players in Summer 2026.
 

De’asia’s mission is to create opportunities and spaces where young artists can showcase their artistry and grow internally and externally. She believes that perfection does not exist—imperfection can be molded into success.