Kayla Zanakis

KAYLA ZANAKIS

AEA/SAG-E
New York, LA, Miami

KAYLA ZANAKIS - FULL GALLERY_DSC00857.jpg

Kayla Zanakis is an actor of Dominican and Greek heritage working across television, film, and theater. A graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, her work is rooted in curiosity, connection, and the belief that great storytelling has the power to surprise us into paying closer attention.

One of her favorite Off-Broadway credits was acting in you don't have to do anything at HERE Arts Center, named one of Vulture's Best Theater Shows of 2024. She is a proud member of Unit 52, the resident acting company at the historic INTAR Theatre. Her screen work includes the award-winning short film Samantha, which screened at multiple film festivals, and national commercial campaigns, including one opposite Neil Patrick Harris. She has also performed at Radio City Music Hall, 54 Below, and Primary Stages, with features in Playbill, SheSources, and other industry publications.

Outside of acting, Kayla is a writer, creative collaborator, and founded Artists in Action, a service initiative that connected NYU students with local nonprofit organizations to create meaningful change in their communities. She is based in New York City and is a local hire in Los Angeles and Miami.

HEADSHOTS

REEL & MEDIA

RESUME

Maren Scriven,

American Critics Association

" Broadway quality acting "

Katherine Hebert, BROADWAY DNA

" Kayla Zanakis gives a phenomenal performance... she is dynamite."

Emma Stern, SHESOURCES

"Kayla Zanakis might be one of the most positive, motivated people I have ever met... I am hopeful because of people like Kayla."

A DominiGreek (Dominican mother, Greek father) whose family parties are My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets

In The Heights, and yes, the food is incredible.

How on Earth do you pronounce her last name? Very simple equation.

Zach Galifinakis - ch - Galifi = Zanakis

(Yes, both their families are from Crete, and no, they're not related...to Kayla's knowledge).

After Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico, Kayla started a three-tier activism organization called

Artists in Action at NYU, a service organization dedicated to giving back to domestic and international needs.

First-generation college student who took 10 AP classes in high school, attended her dream school on a full-ride scholarship and graduated at the age of 20.

Deeply believes that community is everything. From connecting with folks in an honest and present way to developing work to performing, every step must involve both the community of artists and the audience community. The magic of acting both in film and theatre comes from a union of presence.

Ocean lover who dives off the coast of Miami to explore shipwrecks up to 100 feet deep

(working on her night diving and free diving certification).