Sandi Flahn (SHE/THEY) is a performer based in New Hope, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. She specializes in acting, dancing, singing, and has recently found a love for cosplaying.

She was born on December 10th, which makes her a fiery Sagittarius in freezing Minneapolis, MN. She mainly grew up in New Hope but moved around often as a kid. From a young age, they were always curious about the world and loved watching people perform, whether it be on stage, on television, or simply people watching in public.

She started acting at 13 in her middle school production of Seussical, playing a Whoville Citizen. Her love for the arts grew so severe that she transferred to PiM Arts High School for their junior and senior year after attending Robbinsdale Cooper High School. They graduated during COVID-19 and attended UMD the following fall, performing in their first mainstage show, Love and Information, via Zoom.

Throughout her time at UMD, Sandi has had opportunities to work with guest choreographers like Joe Chvala and Laura Osterhaus Rosenstone. She has been in many shows, either on stage or backstage, and in four dance concerts. Outside of the theatre, Sandi was also an active member of the Black Student Association, performing in events such as Soul Food and African Night. 

When Sandi is not performing, she is usually playing video games, working as a barista, figuring out who she wants to cosplay, going to the gym, watching cartoons or anime, or going down random rabbit holes on YouTube. 

Artist Statement: My art is my voice. I’ve often struggled with allowing myself to be seen and be free in spaces, because I was afraid of not “doing the right thing” or wanting to get it “right the first time”. Art is not meant to be “right”. Art is not meant to explain everything. My art is for me, and your art is for you. Art is for everyone. It’s supposed to feel uncomfortable, like how the human experience is. Art is meant to capture the flaws within society and ourselves. When people view my art, I want them to feel heard and seen. I want them to feel cared for and to know that this is for everybody. I especially want my art to amplify the voices of those that look like me; Black, Femme, Queer. Oftentimes, we are ignored when it comes to who pioneered the current trends of pop culture.

It is important for artists to honor those who came before them and to always give credit when they do. I want to be an inspiration to those who doubt themselves and do not want to put themselves out there. PUT. YOURSELF. OUT. THERE. Release music. Sign up for that audition. Publish that YouTube video. Just do it.

I would describe my art with the following words: Vulnerable. Free. Warm. Caring. Black. Empowering. Soulful. Enlightening.