Sierra Rusnak

Sierra Rusnak is a versatile performer from Orlando, Florida! Her artistic training began at the age of three, when she started studying Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Hip-Hop at a local competitive dance studio. At the age of ten, she expanded her training to include vocal and acting studies, further developing her passion for the performing arts. Sierra attended the Osceola County School for the Arts (OCSA) for both middle and high school, where she majored in dance and performed in numerous dance concerts and musical theatre productions throughout her five years at the institution. 

During this time, she also continued her competitive dance training outside of school, dedicating her evenings to rehearsals and competitions with her studio. In her sophomore year of high school, Sierra attended the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, where she participated in their prestigious Jazz and Contemporary trainee program for a full academic year—an experience for which she remains deeply grateful.

She is currently a 2026 BFA candidate in Dance at Jacksonville University, and she is dedicated to cultivating her artistry both on and off the stage. While at JU, she founded and currently serves as president for the highly successful Choreography Club, an organization that provides creative opportunities for students while also giving back to the community. A PSA drug abuse awareness short film she choreographed for at JU earned Second Place nationally and has been featured on IMDb. 

Her leadership and academic excellence have also been recognized through several prestigious honors.Sierra has been acknowledged for her many accomplishments at JU by being Inducted into Green Key, representing the top 1% of student leaders with academic excellence on campus, and into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Additionally, she has been nominated for Women of the Year at Jacksonville University.

Beyond her collegiate endeavors, Sierra has made an impact in the greater Jacksonville area, teaching at several esteemed dance studios and choreographing pieces for local schools, including Fort Caroline Middle School of the Arts. Sierra has also begun establishing her professional theatre career. 

She made her professional debut while simultaneously continuing her collegiate studies at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining in West Side Story as Rosalia and Understudying Anita. She later appeared in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as a swing for the Shirelles (Lil Eva, Janelle, and Shirley) at the Alhambra as well. Her recent academic credits include Godspell at Jacksonville University where she performed Uzo and Nick while also serving as the resident choreographer for the production. Sierra continues to pursue opportunities that allow her to grow as an artist in her many fields of interest while taking one day at a time and remaining true to herself! ♥