It is a privilege to have Kalyani’s voice and acting coach, Miss Monica Sampson, as the chief guest at the arangetram.

Monica is an award-winning, Actor Director, and Media Personality holding a double degree from ASU in Broadcast Journalism and Theater. Her experience spans internationally, to the West End, to Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London, where she trained on a production of Hamlet. Monica was one of 5 actors, selected out of 5,000 to receive the honor of training at Shakespeare's Globe Theater, in connection with the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts. In addition to the West End, Monica’s credits include Off-Broadway work, films, and commercials, NPR, PBS, NBC, The Phoenix Theatre Company, Childsplay, Arizona Theater Company, Southwest Shakespeare, and more. In March of 2022, Monica shot her first feature film and will be heading to Vancouver in September of 2023 for another feature film. Locally, Monica enjoys directing theater for youth and helping young talent share in the joy of theater.

Monica is certified in speech and voice work, with an extensive background in singing, acting, radio, film, and television. She knows the tricks of the trade, with a proven track record for improving young artists to harness a memorable stage presence, gain confidence, and the power to succeed in the industry. Monica is an advocate for social justice, working with Arizona Jews for Justice, as a Social Justice Fellow. At the young age of 16 she was the youngest person to filibuster on the Arizona State Senate floor, defending a bill for women’s rights for 8 hours. This passion follows Monica in all her works, where she advocates for representation and creating diverse storytelling experiences on stage and screen. When Monica isn't on stage she can be found enjoying delicious food made by her identical twin sister, who is a professional Chef, singing along to Barbra Streisand, her idol, and playing with her pet chinchilla, Millie. Monica was recently nominated for 2023’s ‘Best Actress’ by Phoenix Magazine.

Monica has been a true mentor to Kalyani, guiding her through the process of learning how to be a stage performer in all aspects. Her coaching has has transcended singing and acting and has carried over to Kalyani’s dancing as well.

We are so honored that Monica can join us for the arangetram and support Kalyani as she ascends the stage.