I am a performing artist, entrepreneur, and author with a passion for well-being in the arts. As a performer and singer/actress, I enjoy playing and creating strong character roles, and as an Alto/Mezzo with a deep love for harmony work, I enjoy bringing emotive earthiness and charisma to my work.
In the realm of musical theatre, my accolades include an Offie Best Actress Nomination for "Bubbly Black Girl Who Sheds Her Chameleon Skin," contributions to the Olivier-nominated "Get Up Stand Up - The Bob Marley Musical," and a pivotal role in the international tour of "Dirty Dancing."
As the founder of Zaiah Arts, Europe's foremost Caribbean dance fitness entity, our mission is to help women build confidence and foster self-expression through dance and movement. Our focus transcends physical fitness as we spotlight and elevate the voices of marginalized individuals within the dance and fitness sector, navigating the intersection of women's health, mental well-being, and the cultural nuances and identity dimensions of fitness. We redefine the narrative on fitness classes, embracing a spirit of fun, inclusivity, and a pioneering outlook on overall wellness.
As the driving force behind St. Thomas Mackay London - a well-being stationary company launched in 2022, I strive to provide creatives with essential self-care tools and organizational resources to achieve a harmonious work-life balance. Through pioneering journals, planners, and written materials, our mission is to instill positive mental health practices, fostering a resilient artistic community.
Olivier Awards 2021 Best Show Nominee
Get Up Stand Up-
The Bob Marley Musical
Judy Mowatt and U/s Rita Marley
Thriller Live 2019- West End Live
Thriller Live- The Michael Jackson Musical
"Woman 1"
Dirty Dancing
International Tour
Elizabeth
Reviews:
Standout performances from Karis Jack and, in particular, Sophia Mackay as the younger and older Vivecas. Why aren’t these actresses better known
- The Evening Standard- Bubbly Black Girl who Shed her Chameleon Skin
Sophia Mackay offered impressive vocals and true leading lady qualities ...Both performers carry the charm, humour and conflict well and whilst Ms Mackay carries the real meat of the piece she is constantly watched by her younger self to remind both her and us of her journey.
- London Theatre - Bubbly Black Girl who Shed her Chameleon Skin
Sophia Mackay as Elizabeth who shine through with their brilliant voices and charismatic performances almost acting like a set of narrators as the show’s vocal leads.-
- West End Wilma- Dirty Dancing Uk & International Tour
Sophia Mackay (playing Grinpayne’s Mother) is brilliant. As the mother she manages to capture the fear and desperation brilliantly. A beautiful voice is used to create some haunting melodies and the ocean scene is cleverly created and acted well, guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye! As a member of the ensemble she plays a brilliant character who works well with the other members of the ensemble to create a powerful sound. Excellent.-
- Numb Bum- The Grinning Man - West End
In a production of Dirty Dancing, one usually doesn’t expect such intense vocal segments, but Sophia Mackay performs a few of the set pieces from the soundtrack, all of them top class.
Nike
Rep Your Island 2022
Workshop Lead & Choreographer
Sweaty Betty
Carnival Summer Campaign 2022
Movement Director
RedBull
Redbull Carnival Guide 2017
Dancer
Universal Music at The Roundhouse
Movement Director & Choreographer
2022
Reviews:
“Our members absolutely loved your session. We had members who are normally unresponsive who we could see giving it a good go!”
-Ximena Chiesa, Activities & Events Team Leader, Age Uk Kensington & Chelsea
Zaiah Arts Dance workshop for Age Uk Virtual Carnival 2020
"That was the best turnout and engagement in a workshop we've had for the whole festival! Loves your workshop!!
-Stage Manage, Love Supreme 2024
Zaiah Arts Dance workshop for Love Supreme 2024
Ukon Careers would like to thank you for the time, talent, and expertise that you have provided throughout this project. Everyone that participated in the workshops enjoyed their experience and are eagerly waiting for what we have in store for them next year.
- Elvire, Events Planner UKON Careers C.I.C
Zaiah Arts Dance workshop for Barking Virtual Carnival
BUSINESS VENTURES
PACE
Carnival Fitness Event hosted by
Zaiah Arts and Live Love Soca
Powerfully Positive Planners, Journals and Notebooks for Performers and Creatives.