Zena Kissinger
Actor / Singer/ Dramaturg / Friend
Wowee! Who is she?
Zena (ZEE-na) Kissinger is a Chaldean-American actor and dramaturg from Beverly Hills, Michigan, who recently received her BFA in Acting from Oakland University. Always quick to chat it up (who are we kidding – YAP) with literally anybody nearby, Zena prides herself on being an open and available friend and collaborator. A proud half-Chaldean, Zena brings her hospitable and extroverted personality to any room she walks in, which she learned from her amazing Chaldean family that shared their culture and stories with her. When she isn’t performing onstage or researching a show, you can find her vibing to K-pop, hunting for a new sweet treat to try, or playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons; she brags regularly about having 1,400+ hours logged on that game.
Zena is also openly autistic; inspired by the groundbreaking musical How to Dance in Ohio, she hopes to help increase more neurodivergent representation in the theatre world, be it on or off stage. Remember: “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”
Zena in Action!
Acting Clips!
That's Cool! What's Next?
Zena recently worked as the assistant director and dramaturg for Flint Repertory Theatre's production of Green Day's American Idiot, which opened on May 29th, 2026. She helped create an actors' packet, took notes, and made an interactive lobby display for the creative team as well as patrons to contribute their own protest signs. The display increased in size with every performance!
Soon, Zena will be headed to northern Michigan to work as a camp counselor and acting teaching assistant at Interlochen Center for the Arts! She'll be working with the Junior division specifically, as well as assisting on the Junior Theatre Production of The Kid Who Couldn't Stop Drawing. She's so excited and grateful to help foster a safe and positive environment for young artists to grow in their craft!
Zena, but Not Onstage!
