Biography
Born and raised in Long Beach, CA, Elena Schuber attended an all girls Catholic High School in Orange County where she was raised by her Mother (a teacher) her father (who owned his own manufacturing business) and an older sister (who is now a mother of three). Her Grandmother (who has Middle Eastern roots) taught her some words in Arabic.
After High School, Elena moved to Dallas, TX where she received her BFA in Art History, with minors in French and Studio Arts and a concentration in Film at Southern Methodist University. During college, she was thrilled to study abroad in Paris, France and was given the opportunity to teach English in Poland to High School students with her sister.
While at SMU, Elena wrote, directed and starred in "Critically Acclaimed", which earned her an A from her professor, director Kevin Heffernan. After college, Elena moved to Los Angeles and began studying for two years the Meisner Technique at the Joanne Baron/ D.W. Brown institute. Booking small roles to keep her going, she lightened things up and enrolled in the renowned Second City Improv program. Next, she studied with legendary acting coach Ivanna Chubbuck.
Her first significant film role was starring in John Blanchard's "Shriek, If You Know What I Did Last Friday, the 13th." From there Elena has continued working in Hollywood in other Films including "Driving to Zigzigland," "Phonees," "Divine Intervention," and "Metropolis II: Highway to Heaven." and on Television in such shows including "Days of Our Lives," "Killer Outbreaks," "Norcal Rapist," "General Hospital Night Shift," "Men of a Certain Age", "Legit," and "American Horror Story" to name a few. In addition to Film and Television, Elena works steadily doing commercials and stage work.
Elena's 'big break' came in the form of the lead role in the Feature Film "Escape From Tomorrow," where she plays Emily, the female lead (a mother who is pushed to the limits by her husband and family during a trip to Disneyland). The film was a breakout hit at the Sundance Film festival and was one of only fourteen films personally selected by the late Roger Ebert (who passed away shortly after making his selections) for his annual film festival Ebertfest. The film has garnered international attention and buzz largely due to the fact that a large portion of it was filmed 'guerilla' style at Disneyland and Disneyworld without permits or permission. The Film was released nation-wide on over 60 screens and VOD. The film was featured as the "Indie Pick of The Week" in Entertainment Weekly Magazine.
Since Sundance, Elena has starred in the direct to video film "Lily," shot five Television commercials, the short film "Emptied" with Sundance darling, Mackenzie Davis and appeared in the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy." Elena regularly performs with her Upright Citizen Brigade improv group to keep things fresh. Elena is still fluent in conversational French and in her spare time she loves yoga and hiking.
