The moment Tommy Dorfman walked into my studio, she brought an ease and willingness to play. She embraced being the subject and transformed with each click of my camera. Tommy exemplifies the transformative power of artistry—not just on stage or screen, but in life. A trans actor, director, and author, Tommy’s journey is a masterclass in the interplay between personal evolution and creative expression. As she unpacks her relationship with storytelling, movement, and identity, it becomes clear that her work transcends mere performance. Instead, it’s a deeply intuitive practice of channeling truth and vulnerability into art.

From her early days as a ballet dancer to her breakthrough roles on screen and stage, Tommy’s creative path has been anything but linear. In this interview, she reflects on how her transition has enriched her craft, allowing her to inhabit roles with greater honesty and depth. Discussing her dual portrayal of Tybalt and the Nurse in Broadway’s Romeo + Juliet, Tommy reveals the intentionality behind her interpretations—blurring traditional gender binaries and exploring themes of grief, love, and loyalty in ways that feel timeless and profoundly personal.

Tommy’s commitment to storytelling serves as a vehicle for connection. Through acting, directing, or writing, she approaches her art with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to make sense of the human experience.