I'm Nina Polaris—a New York City-based actor, model, content creator, and aspiring producer. I was raised in Annapolis, Maryland, where my love for storytelling and performance took root early on. I explored creativity in every way I could—playing cello in the Youth Symphony Orchestra, dancing on multiple teams, singing in choirs, teaching myself piano and guitar, and even writing and staging plays for my family.

My performance journey truly began when my mom encouraged me to audition for Beauty and the Beast at Wiley H. Bates Middle School. Though I was nervous, I sang “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog, and to my surprise, I landed the role of Belle—even without formal singing training. That experience gave me a liberating sense of possibility. I realized that if I put my heart into something, I could become anything I dreamed of.

Now, I'm a senior at Fordham University, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Performance. My time here has been shaped by powerful stage productions and a life-changing semester abroad at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA). At LAMDA, I immersed myself in classical training, working closely with Shakespearean texts and embracing the collaborative, transformative nature of the craft. That experience deepened my understanding of acting and taught me to find the art within myself rather than lose myself in it.

Outside of the theatre, I'm also a digital creator and researcher with a community of over 175,000 followers across social media. I've had the privilege of working with companies like the Soho Shakespeare Company, New Perspectives Theatre Company, V Magazine (under Stephen Gan), Twelve18 Media and Black Theatre United. Currently, I’m a research and production intern at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where I get to be part of an iconic legacy of comedy and creativity.

For me, acting is about connection, truth, and impact. Whether I'm interpreting classical works or diving into new narratives, I’m committed to telling stories that inspire, challenge, and empower. I believe in amplifying voices that deserve to be heard—and bringing every role to life with honesty, curiosity, and heart.