Amaya Kiyomi

“Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”
― Ella Fitzgerald

Hello, how do you do? My name’s Amaya.

I am an Actor based out of Cleveland, OH.

Playing pretend was a staple in my childhood that has become my craft. I have been doing school plays since the 6th grade, and begging my parents to “let me be on TV” since the 1st grade. Having received my BFA in Acting from UNC-Greensboro and worked professionally in Cleveland with playhouses such as Dobama Theater, Karamu House, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, and Cleveland Public Theater, I am well on my way to achieving my childhood dreams.

This is ME

  • Dreaming

    I was born in Rochester, NY. I grew up watching and re-watching Disney princess movies. I saw Cinderella by Rogers and Hammerstein for the first time, with Brandy Noorwood. Cinderella had become my favorite Disney Princess, and my first dream role.

    Is acting my way of fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a princess? Maybe…

  • Creating

    What else is there to do but create?

    Making art is what brings me joy. Any kid of art: paintings, ceramic pieces, sketches, and doodles. Its freeing to create art that conveys different meanings, experiences, and images to the world. It’s all about making your own happiness in the world and sharing it (or not!)

  • Living

    I am blessed to have a good community surrounding me. l enjoy spending time with the people I love.

    I grew up the middle kid of 4 siblings; and despite there being four of us, I am indeed the confirmed middle child. Performing gave me a sense of individuality, I had my own spotlight that I didn’t have to share! I didn’t always like my siblings growing up, but I love them now.

  • Learning

    I grew up seeing lots of theatre, but I got serious in high school. I got the opportunity to work with different teachers and Broadway artists, during my time with My Broadway Dreams.

    Then college came along, and I had the privileged to study with more teachers and artists. I continued my studies after undergrad with the British American Drama Academy to study Greek Theatre.

    I now give back to the arts community by serving on The Broadway Dreams Foundation’s Junior Advisory Board! The past two years I have also worked with Great Lakes Theater as an Actor-Teacher, and will be making my directorial debut with The Academy for the Performing Arts in Chagrin Falls