 Sonya Bender |
A native of San Diego, Sonya Bender grew up participating in its thriving theatrical community. Through her work in various professional theatres Sonya gained a number of important mentors some whom lead her to Actors Art Theatre. Favorite roles include: A Christmas Carol/ San Diego Repertory Theatre; Crave/Lynx Performance Theatre; In Arabia We’d All Be Kings/Lynx Performance Theatre; PUSH/The Fritz Theatre; Under the Chuppah/Jewish Comedy Theatre; GUM/Lynx Performance Theatre.
Aside from her theatrical pursuits, Sonya is an aspiring singer songwriter. She was lucky enough to channel her abilities into a unique acting project for ASCAP. Sonya was named the teen spokesperson for ASCAP’s educational campaign against music piracy. She was asked to use an original song for the video, gaining national exposure. A classically trained vocalist, Sonya has performed the National Anthem at various venues around San Diego including the Del Mar Fair and Qualcomm Stadium, the former home of the San Diego Padres. Sonya has also appeared in numerous Independent and student films and a music video featured on MTV. She is a graduate of The Actors Academy at Mira Costa College and The La Jolla Playhouse Summer Conservatory, where she also served as an intern.
Sonya has received such accolades as: 2006 Fritz Blitz Award for Outstanding Actress in Push; 2006 National Youth Theatre Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in Crave; 2005 Patte Award for Best Ensemble in In Arabia We’d All Be Kings.