Alumni Appreciation Month: Jenn Colella, M.F.A. '02 and her Time at UC Irvine

The Tony-nominated, Grammy-winning performer and her ever-evolving artistic life

Department of Drama alumna Jenn Colella, M.F.A. '02, is a Grammy Award-winning, Tony Award-nominated Broadway powerhouse who works across the stage and classroom. Colella has originated six principal roles on Broadway, including Captain Beverly Bass in Come From Away and Carrie Chapman Catt in Suffs, roles that have cemented her as one of the industry's most sought-after performers.

Colella has also built an extensive television career, guest-starring on numerous series including The Good Wife, Madam Secretary, FBI: Most Wanted and Evil. She currently plays Captain Alison Kershaw on Elsbeth on CBS, and also starred in the live-capture film of the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away on Apple TV+. Alongside her performing career, Colella teaches acting at Columbia University and Pace University, and holds an honorary doctorate from Columbia College.

As part of Alumni Appreciation Month, Colella reflected on her time at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

"My time at UCI Arts helped me build the foundation for a career rooted in curiosity, collaboration and authenticity,” she said. “The lessons I learned at UCI continue to inform not only the work I do on stage and in the classroom, but also the way I navigate an ever-evolving artistic life."

That foundation, Colella mentioned, is something she hopes today's students carry with them too.

"Trust that you are enough exactly as you are,” she shared. “Your uniqueness is your greatest asset, and no one else can offer what you bring to the room. Work hard to cultivate a kind, supportive voice in your head — it will serve you far longer than self-criticism ever will. The artists who thrive are often the ones who learn to pair discipline with self-compassion.

To learn more about Jenn Colella, visit her website at jenncolella.com. To learn more about the UCI Arts’ alumni community, visit arts.uci.edu/alumni.