PAYTON KOZAK

Reel Coming Soon!

Reel Coming Soon!

Hi, welcome! I’m Payton.

I’m a Brooklyn-based actor (they/them) with a background in singing and movement-based work. My goal right now is to learn as much as I can from the New York market, as I am new here. :)

I have a passion for playing badass characters of any gender. You can catch me in anything from new stage work, like the US debut of Emilia, to starring in a commercial for a beloved small business in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

I’m also a writer, so if I’m not acting or auditioning I’m typing away. Much of my work is inspired by my religious upbringing in middle America.

Let’s team up!

THEATRE

Pin. Jo Ensemble Studio Theater | Lucky Stiff

Museum Chloe WMU Dept. of Theatre | Joan Herrington

Emilia Will Shakespeare / Man 2 WMU Dept. of Theatre | Kate Thomsen

Sweat Jessie WMU Dept. of Theatre | Mark Liermann

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Snout/Peasblossom WMU Dept. of Theatre | Kate Thomsen

Blood at the Root Student/Ensemble WMU Dept. of Theatre | Mark Liermann

As You Like It Rosalind Karen Fraction Theater | Alicia Evans

The Addams Family Alice Karen Fraction Theater | Alicia Evans

Julius Caesar Cassius The Rose Shakespeare Co. | Kyle Westmas

FILM

(im)possibility of California Principle WMU Dept. of Theatre | Joan Herrington

COMMERCIAL

List Upon Request Supporting Elemental Media Co. | Katie Cutcharavan

TRAINING

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY | B.F.A Theatre Performance: Acting (2023)

ACTING: Joan Herrington, Kate Thomsen, Mark Liermann, Dwandra Lampkin

FILM: Hilary Ward, Charles Andrew Gardner

VOICE/SPEECH: Elizabeth Terrel, Corie Auger, Jay Berkow

STAGE COMBAT: Siobhan Richardson (armed and unarmed), Nathan DeCoux

VOICE OVER: Joel Gelman [Workshop], Jeffrey Driesbach [Workshop]

DANCE: Amy Avery 

VOCAL PERFORMANCE: Corie Auger (Musical Theatre), Lisa Capps (Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Solo & Ensemble), Sue Mackenzie (Musical Theatre, Classical, SSA)

SPECIAL SKILLS

LANGUAGES: English, Spanish

DIALECTS: Contemporary British, RP British, Cockney, Southern American (General and Savannah, GA), General Eastern European, Czech, Latin-American, Colombian

INSTRUMENTS: Piano, Percussion (intermediate), Guitar (Beginner) | DANCE: Jazz, MT 

SPORTS: Kickboxing, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Hockey, Skating (ice and wheels)

Mixologist; Writing; Standup; Improvisation; Harmonization; Snapping; Whistling; Visual Art; Sewing (proficient)


RESUME

  • Snout – A Midsummer Night's Dream

  • Western Michigan University; Senior Acting Showcase

    Senior Acting Showcase

  • Jessie – Sweat

  • Will Shakespeare – Emilia

  • Western Michigan University Senior Acting Showcase

    Senior Acting Showcase

  • Captured by Kiara Photography