Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia.
Hi Sofia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all started in my childhood living room at age 4. I did a community theater production of “Annie”. I loved doing the show so much that every morning for months I would wake up and rush to the living room to watch the full length recording and act out every single part. Pretty on brand for me lol.
Funnily enough, I just knew. Without having the tools to articulate with words, I knew that I was going to love this art form for a very long time. When you know you know.
Shortly after that I discovered Katy Perry’s “Firework” and would dance to it non stop. It was invigorating, I’ll always remember that feeling. To this day the song makes me so nostalgic. Anytime I have those “pinch me” moments in my career I think back to that little girl. She knew, she just did.
I’ve done theater and dance consistently since that time. At fifteen I booked my first film on accident. I had gotten a two week Backstage free trial, started submitting, filmed my first ever self tape, and all of a sudden this director, Jacqueline Xerri wanted me to come to New York to be in this coming-of-age movie. I had never done film before, I remember on the train from Maryland to New York I googled “how to act for the camera”. The experience was life changing. Five years later Jacqueline is one of my mentors and “big sisters”. She even came out to visit me when I moved to LA.
From there everything happened fast. I graduated high school early and went to Boston Conservatory at Berklee to study contemporary theater. The summer after my freshman year I came out to LA to choreograph my friend Brayden Martino’s musical for his theater company “See Humans” I was supposed to work on the show for two months then head back to the east coast. Long story short, next month will be my three year anniversary of living in LA. That summer was so special and by the end of it I was ready to stay in LA and pour into my career. When you know you know.
That brings us to today! I am three years into running my business full time as an actor, dancer, and creative. I am beyond pleased with the opportunities that have come my way and I still have so much more I want to learn, and so many more stages I want to touch.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
All things considered I’d say it has been a pretty smooth ride. Of course there have been challenges, I think that bumps in the road are opportunities for growth. And I love to grow!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a Gen-Z, Jewish-Latina creative with big curls and bigger dreams, my work is cut out for me. I am determined to contribute to and one day create the spaces in this industry I know are possible, and to laugh + love a lot along the way.
I am a commercial dancer with a specialization in jazz funk, jazz, and on-camera technique. I’m always trying to invest in versatility so I have professional experience + training in HipHop, Heels, Musical Theater, House, Ballet, and Contemporary.
In the acting world I specialize in coming-of-age film + theater. I especially love new work, bonus points when stories center women (they usually do)!
You can learn more about my credits at sofiajoanna.com
I wear lots of hats! Beyond performance work I have been a director, producer, choreographer, associate choreographer, and teaching artist. I have been the creative director of the Cinema Femme film festival for the past two years and got my first off-broadway credit as a creative team member for “Toothy’s Treasure”.
What am I most proud of? That’s a great question! I put very intentional care into striving for excellence in both performance and professionalism. My business is rooted in the following values; versatility, curiosity, punctuality, and humility, all while embodying my life motto; love in action.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
How much time do we have? There are so many beautiful + brilliant people I’d love to highlight here.
I cannot say enough fabulous words about Dana Wilson! Her classes at Movement Lifestyle, her podcast “Words That Move Me”, and her guidance + care have transformed my mindset as a creative and as a human. Learning from Dana is a gift.
My fantastic team of agents who are always in my corner.
In the dance world; Frank Soares, Kayla Janssen, and Jomo Lee. The strength, the talent, the heart of these three is inspiring.
My film industry “big sisters”, Ava Lalezarzadeh, Tyler Phelan, Sannah Kim, Lara-Olivia Scott, Jacqueline Xerri, Maya Knell.
And of course, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, abue, para siempre <3
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sofiajoanna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiajoannacreative/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sofiajoanna?si=DA5KW-viIxZUxi66
Image Credits
Lee Gumbs
Ari Mauk
Trinity Key
Getty Images
Sam Perna
Em Chen
Annie Lesser
