Tina Nakata
About Me!
Hello, my name is Tina Nakata, and I am a dancer, singer, actor, and choreographer.
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan until I was 15 years old. Since 3 years old, I loved being on stage whether playing Pig #3 in a school play at my kindergarten, or playing piano in front of a crowd, so it didn’t take me long enough to realize the stage is where I belong.
My life had drastically changed in 2013 when I watched the Tony Awards in Japan. I was struck by the dazzling performances and the luminous stage in the heart of New York City. I replayed the recording of that performance probably at least 100 times; thanks to Neil Patrick Harris who was the host in 2013.
Because my dream and ambition grew way too big to stay in Japan, I took a leap of faith to move to Canada to attend a fine arts school to study theatre by myself at the age of 15. Yes, away from my parents. Through these experiences, I learned how important respect, gratitude, and open-mindedness are, and those are my core beliefs I live by everyday.
Outside of theatre, I love to cook, bake, and build my own island on Animal Crossing! I’m also passionate about talking about social justice and diversity and inclusion in theatre. I am proud to be the founding member of Nazareth University’s Theatre and Dance Board of Color.
September 2026
Tina began her final year of Bachelor's
program by choreographing Wild Heart,
a regional premier production based on
John of Arc at Nazareth University.
She insightfully created dynamic dance numbers
with a small stage with 30 ensemble members.
News
October 2026
Tina completed a successful run of
Our Town at Nazareth University as Howie Newsome. She worked diligently to master pantomiming Howie's workhorse along with his physicality of a farmer in 1900s.
Summer 2026
Performance Internship at
Surflight Theatre!
Tina had an amazing summer in Beach Haven, NJ being busy performing in Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), Young Frankenstein, and Pretty Woman (Mary Francis)! She also had a blast playing Cinderella in Cinderella and Wendy in Peter Pan in their Children's Show.
October 2025
Tina had an absolute honor of helping to organize Nazareth University's first ever Color Cabaret as a member of the Theatre and Dance Board of Color committee. She was also in charge of choreographing the opening number!
September 2025
Starting off her Junior year at Naz, she had a pleasure of being part of The Most Happy Fella with a collaboration with Rochester Lyrics Opera company. She was an Ensemble and also had an opportunity to choreograph an entire number of "Standing on a Corner".
Summer 2025
TEXAS FOREVER!
She got to be a part of historical outdoor musical, TEXAS! The Outdoor Musical in Canyon, Texas as a Dancer among many skilled dancers across the country. Tina is thankful to be given opportunities to dance featured parts in the show.
Spring 2025
We got the BEAT!
Tina had a pleasure working with an award-winning choreographer/ producer and a mentor, Lainie Sakakura in a production of Head Over Heels as Ensemble.
Fall 2024
Tina had an amazing and exhilarating experience performing in a timeless musical, Cabaret as Fritizie choreographed by a Fosse choreographer, Jeff Shade.