Welcome!
Ayda is a Turkish-American actress, singer, writer, dramaturg, and biologist based in Sarasota, Florida.
She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in Biology and Minor in Drama (2022), and earned her MFA in Acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training (2025). A lover of music, community, and expression, she has been performing in local musical theatre productions like Les Miserables (2018) and The Little Mermaid (2018) since childhood. She has since made her professional and LORT-debut, and is currently a full-time member of the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s 2024-2025 season, most recently performing in the World Premier of Ken Ludwig’s Lady Molly of Scotland Yard.
A trained singer, Ayda has a particular interest in musical theatre, and is excited to pursue Film/TV and voiceover work. Ayda is also a Dramaturg, and her experience researching as a Biologist serve her well as she builds her Dramaturgical packets!
When she isn’t onstage, Ayda can probably be found reading fantasy books on the beach, taking care of her 20+ houseplants, curating her 67th Spotify playlists, or world-building her home-brew Dungeons and Dragons campaign world!
Recent news!
World Premiere of Ken Ludwig’s “Lady Molly of Scotland Yard”
Ayda was thrilled to work with Ken and Director Peter Rothstein on this brand-new production set in WW2-era London. A member of the original cast, she opened the show as a pre-show cabaret performer, singing classics like “The White Cliffs of Dover,” and “What Do You Do in the Infantry?”
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” at Asolo Rep
As a swing, Ayda covered Cynthia Weil, Marilyn Wald/Ens, and Betty/Ens in this delightful production, directed by Shelley Butler and choreographed by Banji Aborisade. She was lucky enough to swing on for five shows throughout the run. #SwingNation, ‘You’ve Got a Friend.’ ♡♡
Assistant Dramaturgy: “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Asolo Rep
Ayda has joined Dramaturg James Monaghan and Director/Choreographer Josh Rhodes behind the table as an Assistant Dramaturg. She is excited to sharpen her dramaturgical skills as she dives into the show process!