Biography 

Arjana Sanfilippo’s love for the world of entertainment began long before she even knew what theatre, film, or television were. At just three years old, she confidently strutted through the grocery store in a felt green hat, speaking in a faux English accent and declaring herself Peter Pan. At a best friend’s birthday party, she upstaged the hired Ariel by belting out “Part of Your World” with full abandon, much to the surprise of the other partygoers.

Her first official foray into the world of theatre came at the age of seven. Cast as Granny in Little Red Riding Hood, Arjana sobbed bitterly, upset that she had to sing a solo instead of performing in the “Flower Suite,” where she could harmonize with her friends. Little did she know, this early experience would lay the foundation for her understanding of performance—not only as a means of self-expression but as a way to connect with others.

By the time she was nine, theatre became something more profound for Arjana—it became a lifeline. The child of a parent battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she found solace and sanctuary in her elementary school’s after-school Shakespeare Academy. It was there that she discovered the transformative power of performance—how it could offer an escape and a safe space to explore a world beyond her own. From that moment on, Arjana was determined to provide others with the same sense of connection, respite, and belonging that the arts had given her.

Driven by this newfound purpose, Arjana pursued her passion for the arts academically, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Utah in May 2017. Soon after, she traveled across the Atlantic to further her studies at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she earned an MA in Musical Theatre in September 2018. After completing her studies, she spent a year immersed in the vibrant theatre scene of London before relocating to Los Angeles in November 2019 to further her career.

While Arjana’s heart belongs to California, she considers herself an honorary Utahn, a temporary Glaswegian, and a lover of all things London. Throughout her diverse experiences, she’s performed in a wide range of productions, from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the rock musical Little Shop of Horrors. Each role has deepened her understanding of performance and its power to connect, heal, and entertain.

Arjana’s recent professional experience spans various roles in both theatre and film, having worked as a writer, producer, script supervisor, and performer. Her upcoming Producer project is the short film “FIN,” where she will oversee the entire production process from pre-production planning to post-production. As a writer, she is currently developing “The Second Coming”, a play that blends live theatre with social and digital media to explore themes of identity and societal change. She’s also the creator and writer of “Customer Care”, a television series currently in development, where she leads the creative process, crafting complex characters and compelling narratives.

Arjana’s journey has been one of resilience, passion, and the unwavering belief that theatre and performance are powerful spaces for connection, joy, and escape. She continues to inspire audiences and create meaningful, diverse, inclusive, and innovative work that invites others to experience the same sense of safety and community she once found in the arts.

Oh, and just in case you’re wondering, her name is pronounced R-YAWN-uh San-Fih-Lih-Poh.