Elise Levin
Elise Noelani Levin (SAG-AFTRA, AEA) was born and raised in Hawai`i where she began performing as a young girl in Kailua-Kona. She studied acting and musical theatre at the American Conservatory Theatre, Fordham University at Lincoln Center, Academy of Film & Television, Queens College, and University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Elise received awards for best actress in a musical for her portrayal of Wendla Bergman in Spring Awakening, and for best supporting actress in a musical for her performance as Kim MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. While living in Honolulu, she also portrayed Angela O’Hara in CBS’s Hawai`i Five-0, directed by Jerry Levine.
After moving to New York City, Elise was cast in Caren Tackett’s existential rock opera Born Blue, directed by Anthony Rapp. She later portrayed the younger version of Sarah in Tackett's musical Slide for the New York Musical Festival at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square. She also co-starred in IFC Films' feature Chuck, directed by Philippe Falardeau, and Amazon's upcoming tv show Fallout, directed by Frederick Toye. Between productions, Elise learned how to play ukulele, using it as her songwriting tool. She released her first EP of her original music, Noelani, which is available on all platforms.
You can now see her performing throughout New York City with her indie alternative band Fine Life. Fine Life is made up of Elise and her partner, Kritty Kesoglides. They have performed at some of New York City's most well known venues, such as The Bitter End, Arlene's Grocery, Pianos, The Cutting Room and Hudson Terrace. Fine Life's music has been broadcasted on iHeart Radio, Star 101.9, and KTUH radio stations. You can hear their extensive discography on all musical platforms, including their singles "First Degree Murder," and "Aquamarine," as well as their EP Echoes.
Fine Life curates many shows throughout NYC, but a huge focus of their music and art events are fundraisers for non-profit organizations specializing in animal welfare and nature conservation. They have raised $10,000 for the Shark Research Institute, Astoria Cat Rescue, NYC Health + Hospitals, The Children's Rescue Fund, New York Bee Sanctuary, Animal Care Centers NYC, Saint Joe's Food Kitchen, and Rosegate Furever Home. They are in the process of establishing The Fine Life Foundation as an NGO, so they can continue their work in creating music for the greater good.
Elise graduated with honors from Queens College, City University of New York, with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, focusing on how and why music encourages social progression and movement. Inspired by the pioneers of protest music, she uses her art as a way to encourage political and environmental activism. When she's not performing or writing new music, you can most likely find her free diving in the waters of Hawai`i, or spending time with cats.