I’m an actor, writer, coach, & cat mom based in New York.
MEDIA AKA THE GOODS
COMMERCIAL REEL
DEMO REEL
PERSONALITY REEL
CHARACTER & ANIMATION REEL
Here’s a little about moi…*
*(And by moi I mean strictly work-related achievements)
I’m an Iraqi-Swedish actor and writer based out of New York. In addition, I teach acting & improv at Second City New York.
I recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of working with the Muppets in a Booking.com commercial for the Super Bowl! Super cool- and wrapped a commercial for Hewitt & Packard directed by none other than Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella, Dumb Money) – not as cool as meeting my amphibian friend, Kermit, but a close second!
Some other recent credits include the lead in the political drama – From Where To Where by Lebanese-British filmmaker Carine Koleilat.
Maryam in the critically acclaimed production of Heather Raffo’s Noura at the Old Globe, directed by Johanna McKeon, and the political thriller short The Invaders by Mateo Marquez (BFI London Film Festival).
Concept trailer for feature film Arresting God (Sundance Institute Development Track) starring opposite Agam Darshi. Another Girl (Amazon Prime) ; Red Balloon directed by Jessica Blank at Noor Theatre, 24 Hour Plays: Nationals produced by Mark Armstrong; Parisian Blue Fantasie produced by Tony winner Mercedes Ellington. Anne Frank in the Gaza Strip for which I won a PCTF Outstanding Supporting Actress award.
This is in addition to her voice-over work on the Emmy award-winning animation series, Super Wings.
I’ve been selected for the prestigious Berlinale Talents, Labyrinth Theatre Companys Summer Ensemble and received the Playwrights Realm International Theatremaker Award for my work as an actor and activist.
Testimonials From My Coaching Clients
You guys, you’re making me blush!
“I BOOKED my first Supporting Film Role in over 10 years!”
Dina Spybey-Waters
Actor in Freaky Friday, Just Like Heaven, Joey, Haunted Mansion, Modern Family & many more.
“I had the privilege of working with Isra Elsalihie this year and was impressed with her dedication to her students and her deep understanding of the craft of acting. Isra possesses a rare combination of professional expertise and personal warmth. Her teaching style is engaging and nurturing. Her passion for the craft is contagious. After taking several years off to raise my children, I recently came out of retirement to relaunch my career. Under her coaching, I am happy to say that I BOOKED my first Supporting Film Role in over 10 years! I am very grateful to Isra and highly recommend her!!”
– Dina Spybey-Waters
“Isra is the kind of coach that really believes in her students and just wants to see us all succeed. I am endlessly grateful to have had her as my first acting teacher.”
Megan Boni
Actor & Content Creator @Girl on Couch
“When I signed up for acting classes at Second City, I was lucky enough to be assigned Isra as my teacher and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to acting. From day one, she created such a welcoming, non-judgmental space that made diving into this new world feel exciting instead of intimidating. Isra taught me in Acting 1 and she quickly became someone my whole class deeply admired. In fact, we loved learning from her so much that we asked Second City to bring back Acting 3 just so we could continue training with her. She’s patient, supportive, and incredibly insightful, not just about the craft of acting, but also the business side: resumes, headshots, auditions, reels, and so much more. She helped me grow as an actress through her care and clarity, and always made me feel seen and valued. Isra is the kind of coach that really believes in her students and just wants to see us all succeed. I am endlessly grateful to have had her as my first acting teacher.” – Megan. B
“She instilled me with a newfound confidence and inspired me to pursue acting more seriously.“
Savannah Rose
Actor & Writer
Isra is an insightful, uplifting teacher who utilizes a skilled balance of encouragement and constructive feedback. She instilled me with a newfound confidence and inspired me to pursue acting more seriously. 10/10 recommend her for all your coaching needs! Her creativity and collaborative spirit made the process easy. The results speak for themselves.