Tonya Broach is an accomplished and a trailblazing actress who is not afraid to push the envelope when it comes to performing. Whether it’s a dramatic, comedic or musical production, she is in her element and definitely leaves her mark. Appearing on many different stages as well as touring with theater groups, she has performed in such productions as Dreamgirls, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Beehive, Little Shop of Horrors, Purlie, Two Trains Running & Black Nativity within the Greater Cleveland, OH area.

Her humble beginnings started at the ripe old age of 7 when she joined her elementary school choir. She just knew that she wanted to sing. She was introduced to acting at the age of 14 in high school where she also took drama and TV production classes. She learned the principles of acting as well as technique, delivery and handling and operating a TV camera. Her drama teacher saw something in her talent and introduced Tonya to a fellow thespian who then put her in touch with the owner of a production company (Soeder Productions). She auditioned for a play called “Until the Vinegar Runs Out” and received her first onstage role as a waitress. That was the beginning of her love affair with acting. Her sophomore performance with Soeder Productions was in a play called “Are We Dressing.” She got her first taste of performing in front of a TV camera when a snippet of the production was performed for a TV talk show called “Neighborhood” hosted by TV news anchor, Wayne Dawson. She performed in several high school productions and did a residency at Collinwood Community Center in Cleveland where she became a member of the Youth Alive Players. Through Youth Alive, she performed in a play called “Edge of a Dark Path” which addressed teen issues such as sexual abuse, drugs & alcohol, suicide and sexual identification. She also continued on as a member of her high school choir, graduated as a member of the top 20 and was voted best vocalist/most talented in her yearbook.

Wanting to learn more and expand, she went on to her first audition at the infamous Karamu Theater and was cast in Karamu’s signature production of “Black Nativity” by Langston Hughes. She had such a great experience that she again auditioned and received an ensemble role in Karamu’s production of “Tambourines to Glory” (Years later, she went on to perform the role of Birdie Lee in a production done at East Cleveland Theater). In the year 2000, Tonya participated in Karamu’s Arena Fest, which is a festival of new plays written by rising playwrights. Her adventures continued as she auditioned at several theaters in the Cleveland area where she was cast in various roles in productions such as Purlie (in which she received critical acclaim), Blithe Spirit, August Wilson’s Two Trains Running, God’s Favorite, Children of Eden, The Wiz, Beehive, Seussical, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Opal, & Little Shop of Horrors amongst other productions. Her vocal talents were also utilized as a member of the Cabaret Rock Singers in the up and coming Pickwick & Frolic nightclub in downtown Cleveland. She made her independent film debut in 2005 when she was offered a supporting role in “Sofia for Now” which was filmed in Pittsburgh and submitted to numerous film festivals. Tonya also honed her craft while working as the Artist Services Coordinator for Cleveland Opera for 3 years. While working for the Opera, she participated in a production of Carmen. She worked under the direction of renowned Dorothy Danner and the great Maestro Anton Coppola. Her interest not only lies on stage or in front of the camera but behind the scenes as well. Tonya has attended seminars on sound design and the art of sound effects. When she’s not working or performing, Tonya enjoys reading, hiking, concerts, crafting and various other activities. She also loves to try and experience new ideas and techniques that will enhance her creativity.

PERFORMANCE RESUME

THEATER

FILM (non-union)

Sofia for Now (Independent)              Out by 6 Productions                     “Linda Stephens”

COMMERCIALS (non-union)

~List of conflicts available upon request~

PRINT

TRAINING

Cleveland State University, Communications

Cassidy Theatre, Sound 

The Cleveland Film Society, Sound Effects

SPECIAL SKILLS

Typing/data entry (computer literate), desktop publishing, singing, dancing, songwriting, hip/hop & line dancing, bike riding, water aerobics, organizational skills, driver’s license & great with animals. Can imitate a crying baby, clucking chicken, owl, & mouse. I'm double jointed and can raise both eyebrows individually and simultaneously.

~Video demo available upon request~