Check Out Maia Sanaa’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maia Sanaa

Hi Maia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’d love to! I’m Maia Sanaa (“My-ee-uh Suh-nah”) & storytelling has always been at the heart of who I am. When I was seven, I performed in Happy Feet with my siblings in a local production back in Bowie, Maryland, right outside of D.C., where I was born at Howard University Hospital. Acting wasn’t a huge passion back then- it was just something fun to do- but looking back, those moments planted seeds I didn’t even realize were growing.

When I was eight, my family moved to Atlanta, and I’ve called it home ever since. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family full of life, humor, and creativity. They’ve shaped so much of who I am and the stories I tell. To me, their energy and love are what ground me as an artist. Whether it’s through acting, poetry, or writing, so much of what I create comes from them. I’ve learned how important it is to honor where you come from and the people who’ve been part of your journey- that’s always been my foundation as I figure out where I’m going next.

It wasn’t until middle school, when I joined the drama club, that I realized how much joy performing brought me. Acting gave me confidence and helped me find my voice as a pretty shy kid. By high school, it became clear this was more than just a hobby. Competing in the August Wilson Monologue Competition was a turning point for me. It was the first time I saw actors who looked like me and told stories that reflected experiences that I recognized. It gave me the courage to dream bigger and also opened the door to my love for poetry.

At 18, I had the incredible honor of having my poetry featured in The New Yorker and Pitchfork Review. Those moments reminded me just how powerful storytelling is and how words can leave a lasting impact.

Fast forward to now: I recently graduated from Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Arts, focusing on performance. My time there pushed me to grow in every way imaginable. Whether it was studying classical acting in London, screenwriting in L.A., or interning for production companies, I was constantly expanding my understanding of what it means to be a storyteller. One of the highlights of my time there was creating my senior thesis, She’s Got SOL. It was my first stage-to-page project, and it taught me the power of collaboration and seeing a vision come to life. That experience deepened my love for creating and inspired me to try new things, like creative directing.

I used to think I had to wait until I was older or more “established” to explore different lanes of artistry, but now I ask myself, “Why not now?” Trying new things- even when I’m unsure, has made me a more well rounded and intuitive artist.

Now that I’m back in Atlanta, everything feels like it’s coming full circle. Growing up here, I performed with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, which unknowingly laid the foundation for the work I do today. Atlanta is such a special place- it’s rich with history, community, and creativity, and every connection feels like you’re meeting family. I’m thrilled to be approaching making my professional acting debut at the Alliance Theatre, understudying in Idris Goodwin’s Doctor De Soto.

I see myself as a storyteller who tells stories with soul; whether it’s through acting, writing, poetry, or even singing when the music finds me. My artistry is deeply rooted in my spirit, family, and community, and I’m committed to creating work that uplifts and inspires. There’s so much more I want to explore, and I’m excited to keep discovering where this journey takes me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been easy. There’ve been a lot of eye-opening moments that pushed me to grow as an artist and as a person, but there were also times when I felt invisible- like my voice wasn’t really being heard or valued in certain spaces.

Going to a PWI (predominantly white institution) was one of those tough experiences. Don’t get me wrong, I was blessed to have many incredible classmates, professors, and peers who supported me. But as a Black theater student, I was often one of the only ones in the room, and that isolation hit hard. It forced me to build a stronger belief in myself, though that’s definitely something I’m still working on.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned came from a theater experience where I realized I was pouring everything into the performance but not really being seen or heard as a person. It made me stop and think: What really matters to me as an artist? For me, it’s about telling stories that are honest and rooted in truth, without compromising my values. Learning to reclaim my voice and set boundaries hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worth it.

Honestly, I think your 20s are all about figuring this stuff out- not just your career, but who you are, what you stand for, and what actually brings you peace. For me, my artistry and identity are so tied together that it’s been a process of growing into both at the same time.

There’s also this weird fear that comes with getting closer to your dreams. Like, you spend so long chasing them, and then when they start happening, you’re like, Wait, am I even ready for this? I’ve had to remind myself that uncertainty and fear are part of the process, and the only thing I need to do is keep moving forward.

At the end of the day, the ups and downs are just part of the journey. Every challenge has shaped me into the person and artist I am now, and I’m grateful for all of it. I’m excited to see where this road takes me next.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Yeah! So my name— Maia Sanaa, means “Beautiful Art” in Swahili, and I try to live up to it every day. I’m an actor, writer, and all-around creative who believes deeply in the power of storytelling. Acting is where it all started for me, but writing- whether it’s poetry, spoken word, or even songwriting- has always been just as important. For me, words are a way to make sense of the world and connect with people on a real, human level.

When I’m acting, I’m all about diving deep into my characters’ worlds and bringing them to life in the most honest way possible. That same honesty shows up in my writing, where I don’t always stick to traditional formats. Sometimes I write poems like stories in paragraph form or explore ideas like imagining my first female ancestor. I don’t try to make everything relatable, but I aim for truth because, I believe that’s where true connection happens.

I also love creating art that blends different passions of mine. Whether I’m acting, writing, or experimenting with music, it’s all about telling stories that feel authentic and rooted in something bigger. Even though I don’t know how to read music yet, I’ve found other ways to connect through sound, and that’s been such a powerful tool for storytelling and for finding my own peace, too.

I put my all into everything I do, and that dedication has brought some amazing opportunities. One I’m especially proud of is receiving the inaugural Director’s Award for Excellence from Boston University’s School of Theatre- it was such an honor to have my hard work recognized in that way.

What makes my work special is that it’s unapologetically me. I’m not here to tell anyone what to feel or think- I just share my truth wholeheartedly and let it resonate however it does. If it sparks admiration, conversation, or even just a moment of reflection, then I’ve done my job. My art is a space where I get to be vulnerable and imperfect, which is something I’m still working on embracing in my everyday life, too.

At the core, my work is fully about storytelling with soul. Whether it’s through a character, a poem, or a performance, I want people to feel something- joy, reflection, excitement, sameness, difference, or maybe even a little reassurance. My artistry isn’t separate from who I am; it’s all connected. So, I focus on aligning with projects that feel real to me and create space for honest, soul to soul connection.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Just a quick heads up! My website’s still a work in progress, but it’ll be up soon at www.maiasanaa.com! Once it’s live, you’ll get an inside look at my art, what I’m currently working on, what’s coming next, and even ways that we can collaborate or connect. I really appreciate y’all taking the time to check out my story so far. I am beyond excited and thankful to keep growing, learning, being inspired and hopefully inspiring many along the way.

Thanks again for your time, and stay tuned! 🙂

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaiasanaa/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@themaiasanaa?si=jjr3g2cQyjmimCN_
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11682286/

Image Credits
– Jpgs By JX | Julian X

– Slingshots Photography | DeAndre Lemans