Aiden Ankli (she/they) is an ensemble theatre maker, performer, singer, dancer, teaching artist and amateur birder hailing from Southwest Michigan. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Aiden is passionate about creating new works, particularly movement-driven, ensemble-based work that draws inspiration from the natural world. As a deviser, Aiden has most recently collaborated with Alexis Howland (A Journey of Hardship and Suffering, Cannonball Festival 2025), Jonah Godfrey & Friends (The Bad Pirate Rock Show, Cannonball Festival 2024), and William Acker/Very Good Dance Theatre (May I Descend the Staircase? Cannonball Festival 2024). As a performer, they’ve performed all over the country including New Hampshire, Utah, Michigan, New York, and most recently, in Vermont with Donna Oblongota’s original musical, EF!, as the character Shallot.

As a teaching artist, Aiden conducts classes inspired by the LeCoq pedagogy with a playful twist. She has taught at Temple University, Rowan University, the Pig Iron School and has led various workshops for young artists.

When she is not in the studio or performing around Philadelphia, you will likely find her birdwatching and identifying bird calls on her Merlin ID app. Aiden holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College and recently graduated from the Pig Iron School with their MFA.