Nelya Galiakbarova

Nelya Galiakbarova is a Seattle-based director, actress, and educator dedicated to theater, performance art, and voice work. As the founder and artistic director of Resonance Studio Theatre, she has shaped the company's creative vision for over a decade, helming more than 50 celebrated productions for both families and adults. A postgraduate of the prestigious Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and a former faculty member, Nelya is also a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher, specializing in an internationally renowned vocal method for freeing the natural speaking voice. Her directing portfolio spans classic and modern masterpieces, including shows from William Shakespeare and Carlo Gozzi to Anton Chekhov and Tennessee Williams.

Under her direction, Resonance Studio Theatre’s productions have earned widespread acclaim at major theater festivals across the US and Europe. Recent honors include accolades at the Kaleidoscope Theatre Festival in Spokane (2025), multiple awards at The Orange Summer Festival in Boston (2025, 2026), the International Theatre Festival in Lyon, France (2026), and Bellevue's BITFest (2026). Her exceptional training also extends to her ensemble, with actors under her direction capturing top honors at the International Festival of Poetry and Videopoetry in Finland (2024, 2025). Full list of awards.

Committed to continuous mastery, Nelya has participated in extensive workshops across the US and Europe, exploring Advanced Voice and Shakespeare, Body and Movement, Clown work, and the Mikhail Chekhov Acting Technique. She also frequently collaborates on innovative regional projects with organizations like Arts for Hearts (Redmond, WA) and The Dacha Theatre (Seattle, WA).

Full list of awards