Acting

Pig Iron Theatre Company in Philadelphia, PA will be re-producing the radio version of Why Are You Killing Yourself? on Monday, September 13.

"Fueled by nightmares Zaina Dana had while writing this play, Why Are You Killing Yourself? weaves together the uncovered words of Osama Bin Laden and doomsday political philosopher Jean Baudrillard with original text to take an honest look at 21st century Arab-American identity. This hour-long performance follows the self-destructive path of a young woman as she attempts to make sense of herself and her upbringing in a bizarre post-9/11 America, heavily shaped by events before her time."

Raya Tuffaha in a yellow shirt, smiling for the camera

Raya Tuffaha in a white dress and blue shoes, posing in North Seattle, in front of greenery, in a ballet position

Raya Tuffaha resting her head on a desk, her hair is tinfoiled

Raya Tuffaha sitting at a table with a green tablecloth, sewing a red shirt, she is wearing a white shirt and black skirt, sitting opposite her scene partner who is wearing a gray shirt and jeans

Raya Tuffaha wearing a yellow dress and denim jacket, walking towards the camera

Raya Tuffaha looking above the camera, wearing pink lipstick

Raya Tuffaha at a microphone, wearing a red leather jacket, black and white striped jumpsuit, she is singing. Drummer in the back is wearing a red jacket and has braids in her hair

Raya Tuffaha wearing all black, smirking with red lipstick

Raya Tuffaha holding a small gun, kneeling behind a bed, there is a pillow on the ground between her and a boy wearing a beanie

Raya Tuffaha wearing a Red Sox jersey, her hair is in a bun

Raya Tuffaha smiling with a man, wearing a white shirt and black skirt

VIEW RAYA'S RESUME AND HEADSHOT

VIEW RAYA'S BACKSTAGE PROFILE

Raya Tuffaha is a versatile dramatic actor who draws on her experience in slam poetry and ballet. Her training is extensive, studying acting with the likes of Lani Brockman, VJ Orduna, K. Elizabeth Stevens, Allen Kuharski, Candice Pullom, Alex Torra, and more. Tuffaha also has backgrounds in stage combat and physical comedy, including training at Circle in the Square and the British American Drama Academy. Raya specializes in devised performance. Her first solo project, Music Box, pt. 1, was received very well during previews and is currently in re-development.

She is a current vocal student of Lara Nie, Joseph Gregorio, and Debra Scurto-Davis, previously studying with Kim Maguire. Tuffaha is a capable performer in bel canto technique, musical theatre, pop, rock, and folk. In Jordan, she regularly performed with the principal company of the School of Amman Ballet. Since then, Tuffaha has worked with instructors like Stephanie Barbuto, Joseph Small, Kristin Burch, Sarah Leyde, and Annie Morro, and is comfortable in a variety of styles.

Though her home is in the theatre, Raya branches out into the world of film as well. Her favorite roles include Dr. Hawa (Finds You Well) dir. Grace Dumdaw and Emery (Adorn) dir. Bellamy Perez. She occasionally uses her voiceover training as well.

Raya Tuffaha is grateful to have found such wonderful artistic communities in both Seattle and Swarthmore. Get in touch today!

Captions recommended.

CONTACT