About Me

Hi!! I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Lena Sophia Valenti, and I am an Indian/Italian American actress pursuing a BFA in Drama with a Minor in Theatre Education at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. This past May, I completed my primary training in acting and directing at the Playwrights Horizons Theatre School. As an interdisciplinary artist, I am deeply passionate about philanthropy, theatrical education, and creating work that fosters connection and community.

For nearly a decade, I worked throughout the Chicago theatre industry as both a performer and creator. I served as Assistant Director for the Jeff-nominated production of Cry It Out with Theatre Above the Law, a respected storefront theatre company on Chicago’s north side. Throughout my career, I have directed and led multiple productions while gaining experience across a wide range of theatrical disciplines, including performance, directing, choreography, and technical theatre. I especially love facilitating and devising theatre with young people and have worked with children of all ages in both educational and creative settings.

In addition to theatre, I have led early childhood music classes and assisted with directing, choreography, and musical direction for high school-aged performers. I currently work as an event entertainer, leading artistic activities and interactive games for children — and my favorite role is getting to be Princess Jasmine! I also have experience working with children with disabilities through both my leadership role in a liturgical music program and my work as a children’s entertainer. Recently, I completed coursework in Theatre for the Oppressed and Theatre Education at NYU, experiences that further deepened my commitment to accessible and community-centered artmaking.

Outside of theatre, I am a competitive figure skater on NYU’s figure skating team and earned a national medal last year. Figure skating has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I love the balance it brings between athleticism and artistry. I also sing in my church choir every Sunday and have been involved in church music for nearly fifteen years. When I’m not performing, teaching, or skating, you can usually find me taking a dance, sculpt, or fitness class — I love any opportunity to move and stay creative.