Sofiya Cheyenne

Sofiya Cheyenne is a New York based multi-disciplinary performance artist, theatre maker, and advocate. She originated the role of Perla Ovitz in the Off-Broadway production of The Lilliput Troupe and reprised the role of this historical icon in many other productions. Sofiya's performance credits include Miss Julie (Miss Julie) & Swimming In The Shallows (Carla Carla) both at The New Workshop Theater, Rimers of Eldritch (Wilma Atkins) at the Whitman Theater, Dog Sees God (Matt) at the MAC Playhouse Theater, and The Golden Smile (Director) at the Kraine Theater. Sofiya has over 20 years of dance experience, including ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, contemporary, modern and lyrical. She has performed with many dance companies and venues including Born Dancing Inc, The Brooklyn Dance Ensemble & The Salt Marsh Nature Center. Sofiya has been featured in many films, documentaries, and campaigns such as "Dwarfdom" created by Maija Tammi, Lamont Baldwin's "Nothing Short of a Journey," and "Get Real" episode with Refinery29. Sofiya also made her modeling debut in 2015's NY Fashion Week with Creative Business House Model Management. She was an ABC Discover and performed in their industry showcase in November of 2016. Sofiya has also co-wrote a piece titled The Gene Lottery with long time collaborator, director Kristy Dodson.

Sofiya graduated with a High School Diploma Endorsed for the Arts from the Professional Performing Arts High School in midtown Manhattan. After which she attended Kingsborough Community College studying Liberal Arts, and was a finalist at The American College Theater Festival (ACTF), where she ranked top16 out of 250 nominees. She continued her education at Brooklyn College where she graduated with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Psychology. As a Teaching Artist with ENACT she uses innovative arts programming and interactive methods of drama therapy and social-emotional tools to help vulnerable youth, throughout the 5 boroughs, overcome obstacles that stand in the way of their success. She also holds workshops for parents and school staff to teach them positive ways of communication and behavior management.

Sofiya grew up in Brooklyn, New York in a mixed family of Dominican, Taino, Italian and Syrian descent which influences much of what she performs, creates, and lives. Sofiya strongly believes in using the arts as a way to challenge societal norms. She continually invests herself in projects that aspire to open peoples' eyes to see that people with disabilities can have an equal chance on the stage, television and film. She is the Chair of the Dwarf Artist Coalition and is a long time member of Little People of America. She also has the unique skill of tap dancing & jump roping as well as an unhealthy obsession with kitchen appliances and loves to cook!