Nilla Elizabeth Watkins is a bi-coastal actor. Dynamic and wildly changeable, Nilla wields impressive range and strong comedy chops. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Connecticut, she practiced law at a prestigious NYC firm before pursuing acting. Nilla’s quirky affability and fearless vulnerability offer a voice that is uniquely her own. Her talent and work ethic have resulted in leading and supporting roles in theatre, film, and television. For an extensive list of Nilla’s work, check out her resume.

An active member of Brown’s Theatre Arts & Performance Studies program, Nilla’s professional acting career began after completing New York’s renowned Maggie Flanigan Meisner Conservatory. She has served as an apprentice at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (working with Lewis Black to develop a stand-up comedy routine and performing clown work with Gregor Paslawsky). In addition, she has trained in improv and Shakespeare stateside and in France at the Sorbonne. She continues to hone her craft with Victor Villar-Hauser and Lesly Kahn. 

Nilla graduated from Brown University (with honors) with an A.B. in Philosophy and French, where she also played two Varsity Division One sports. She holds a J.D. (with honors) from the University of Virginia School of Law and is a member in good standing of the New York State Bar. Nilla enjoys her volunteer work with the humanitarian foundation, Embracing the World, and advocating for abused shelter animals.