Elva Branson

Elva Branson was a company member of Pittsburgh City Players, and former Executive Director of Black Horizon Theater. She mounted the first all-black production at the University of Pittsburgh in the early 70's, and is the founder of New Horizon Theater. Elva has appeared in numerous stage productions across the U.S. Credits include The Duplex, The Comeback, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death, Bus Stop, Waiting for Lefty, Sty of the Blind Pig, Dracula, For Colored Girls and many more. Directing credits include African Sunrise, I Dream a World, Center Avenue a Trip, and many others. Feature films include King Kong, Two Minute Warning, Knightriders, Striking Distance and others. Television roles include Cooley High, Bride in Black, The Piano Lesson, and others. When not acting or directing Elva might be seen performing as featured vocalist with various jazz bands such as the Carl Arter Trio and Mike Taylor's Territory Band.