New York Film Academy Musical Theatre alumna Sophie Kim So-hyang became the first Korean actress to be cast in an American production after landing a supporting role in the U.S. production of the hit Broadway musical “Sister Act.”
“My Korean agent told me that there will an audition for ‘Sister Act’ in the Asian tour and that I should try to get in,” said Kim. “At first, I didn’t think too much about it because there are no roles for Asians in the play. But since it was an Asian tour, my agent told me that there would be a slight possibility of getting the part. So, I auditioned, got several callbacks, and finally got it. I was so excited!”
Kim will play the part of Sister Mary Robert, a quiet and timid nun who becomes inspired by the main character Delores to eventually break out of her shell. The show is a musical adaptation of the hit 1992 comedy film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg.
Born and raised in Korea’s theatre district, Kim and her mother went to many shows as a child. “My parents were really supportive and always encouraged me to be an actress,” she recalls. “I was the kind of girl who loved to sing and dance.”
While in Korea, Kim performed in many shows such as “Rent,” “Aida,” “Mamma Mia,” “Dreamgirls,” “Fame,” “West Side Story,” “Evita,” and “Wedding Singer.”
After attending and graduating from NYFA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory, Kim also became the first person to join the AEA (Actors Equity Association) as a theatre actress from Korea. She played Gigi in “Miss Saigon” (Paramount Theatre) and Tuptim in “The King and I” (Harbor Lights Theatre). Kim also appeared in “Oliver,” “Spool Girl,” “6 Month Club,” and “Portrait of Father.”
“Everything I’m doing now I learned from NYFA,” said Kim. “I learned history, preparing for auditions, ballet, vocals, stage combat, jazz, tap, Meisner, makeup, improv, and so much more. I would never be able to get a job if I didn’t go this school.”
On Friday, April 28, Kim performed in the EnoB Benefit Concert at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan. The Benefit Concert is a semi-annual fundraising event hosted by EnoB, a non-profit music outreach organization that serves hospitalized and disabled children, youth and senior citizens through the joy and the healing power of music. It’s an opportunity for EnoB to raise funds to sustain the critical services for people in need and celebrate its work among friends and family.
The Asian tour of “Sister Act” will begin in Singapore from May 9-28.
Please note: NYFA does not represent that these are typical or guaranteed career outcomes. The success of our graduates in any chosen professional pathway depends on multiple factors, and the achievements of NYFA alumni are the result of their hard work, perseverance, talent and circumstances.