About Sophia

Sophia Esch is a Michigan-based theatre artist, educator, and arts manager dedicated to the healing and transformative power of theatre. She currently serves as the Director of Shakespeare in Prison, Detroit Public Theatre’s signature community program, where she leads long-term, ensemble-based theatre initiatives inside correctional facilities and in community-based settings with returning citizens. Through this work, she has pioneered innovative programming—including a Summer Writing Program at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility and alumni-focused initiatives—using Shakespeare and devised performance as tools for healing, reflection, and rehabilitation.

Sophia also serves as the Managing Director of the Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI), where she leads marketing, fundraising, and community engagement efforts to create barrier-free access to the performing arts for young artists across Southeast Michigan. In addition, she is a Graduate Research Assistant for the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre & Dance at Wayne State University, designing marketing campaigns and community engagement initiatives for mainstage productions.

A passionate educator and performer, Sophia owns and operates the Studio of Music & Theatre, providing personalized instruction in voice, acting, and musicianship. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Oakland University and is currently pursuing her MFA in Theatre Management at Wayne State University.

Sophia’s work is grounded in the belief that theatre can transform lives—cultivating empathy, inspiring growth, and creating pathways toward connection and change.