Nessa Amherst

Actor | CFA Repertory Theatre Company Member | Writer, Define “Black” | Patron Services Associate | House Manager

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States

About

I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2011, with a Bachelor of General Studies - concentrations in Theatre, Music Performance, and Media Studies. I have 10+ years of customer service experience within tourism, retail, and food service under my belt. I was active in theatre throughout my undergraduate years, performing in the troupe, the Troubling Violence Performance Project as well as separate performances on and off campus. My first professional acting credit came in June 2016 when I was a featured soloist and ensemble member in the British Players production of Music Hall (credited as Lanita Wright from 2016-late 2017). Since then, I performed lead and supporting roles in theatre (live and virtual), film, web series, television, and commercials throughout the DMV area in the past three years. The best way to describe the roles I like to play is a funny but loyal individual who isn't afraid to stand up for what's right, as well as someone who isn't afraid of getting her hands dirty.

Experience

  • Actress at Theatre
    Mar 2016 - Present · 10 yrs 5 mos

  • Imagination Stage, Inc. ()
    • Patron Services Associate
      Sep 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

    • Actress
      Mar 2025 - Mar 2025 · 1 mo

      Play In A Day with Bethesda Urban Partnership *Swamp Monster by Stephen Walkiewicz & Liana SC *Selected for Best Writing of a Play

    • Actress
      Mar 2024 - Mar 2024 · 1 mo

      *Play in A Day from Bethesda Urban Partnership *Susanna

  • Assistant House Manager at Round House Theatre
    Feb 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

  • Producer at District Fringe
    May 2026 - Jul 2026 · 3 mos

    Playwright & Producer of Define "Black" at District Fringe Part of the SPARK New Play Reading series Performances on 12 & 17 July in Washington, DC Directed by Julia Rudgers Starring Taylor Mitchell, Ivy Montague, Rakell Foye, Ariel Friendly, Mahlet Gebreyesus, and Nessa Amherst

  • Actor at Olney Theatre Center
    Dec 2025 - Dec 2025 · 1 mo

    Rhythm of Our Roots - Expressions of Female Empowerment Cabaret Performed original monologue, Define "Black"