Ellen's work originated in the theatre.

From Black Box to major Repertory Theatre, her regional stage work has covered numerous periods from Adam & Eve to speculative visions of the future.

She has designed for many theatre companies across the nation, including the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, GeVa in Rochester, New York, The Intiman in Seattle Washington, and Center Stage in Baltimore Maryland.

Her Theatre work enabled her to design for such noted directors as Stan Lathan, Chip Chalmers, Nagal Jackson, Jeffery Tambor, Kenny Leon and John Dillon.