Nikiya Mathis Headshot

Nikiya Mathis

Get Nikiya Mathis Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Nikiya Mathis BIO

Nikiya Mathis is an American actress known for her work on stage and screen. She was born and raised in New Jersey and attended the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Mathis got her start in theater in New York City, performing in off-Broadway productions before making her Broadway debut in 2014.
Mathis' Broadway debut was in the Tony Award-winning play "The Trip to Bountiful" by Horton Foote. She played the role of Thelma, a young woman who helps an elderly woman on a journey back to her hometown. Mathis received critical acclaim for her performance, with The New York Times praising her "naturalness and ease" on stage.
In addition to her work on Broadway, Mathis has also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. She starred in the world premiere of "The House That Will Not Stand" by Marcus Gardley at New York Theatre Workshop in 2014. The play, set in New Orleans in the 1800s, explores themes of race, class, and gender through the lives of free women of color. Mathis received an Audelco Award nomination for her performance.
Mathis has also worked extensively in regional theater. She has performed at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. Some of her notable roles include Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet," Hermia in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and Nina in "The Seagull."
In addition to her work in theater, Mathis has also appeared in film and television. She had a recurring role on the HBO series "Vinyl" and has appeared in the films "The Taking of Pelham 123" and "The Company Men."
Mathis is also a talented singer and has performed in several musicals. She played the role of Dionne in a production of "Hair" at the Public Theater in New York City and has appeared in "The Wild Party" and "Avenue Q" at regional theaters.
Most recently, Mathis appeared in the off-Broadway production of "Mlima's Tale" by Lynn Nottage at the Public Theater. The play tells the story of an elephant hunted for its ivory and explores themes of exploitation and greed. Mathis played multiple roles in the production and received critical acclaim for her performance.

Nikiya Mathis Photos

Nikiya Mathis STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Co-Production, 2011
Performer

Nikiya Mathis Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Hair/Wig Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2024]
Hair and Wig Design
 
[Broadway, 2024]
Hair, Wig, & Makeup Designer
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Hair & Wig Design
 
[Broadway, 2023]
Wig Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2023]
Wig Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2020]
Hair & Wig Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Hair and Wig Design

Nikiya Mathis Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2022 - Sustained Achievement in Hair and Wig Design

Nikiya Mathis, Nollywood Dreams

Drama Desk Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Wig and Hair Design

Nikiya Mathis, STEW

Nikiya Mathis Videos

Nikiya Mathis News


Review Roundup: THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Opens On Broadway


The Heart of Rock and Roll is beating on Broadway as the bright new jukebox musical of the same name opens at the James Earl Jones! Theatre. Read the reviews as the critics react!

Industry Pro Newsletter: Disneyland Parade and Character Performers Seek Union Protections


Charleston Stage has a new Managing Director, and Dallas Theater Center has a new interim Artistic Director. Along with these movements of the regional leadership carousel, Seattle Opera has introduced a new Artistic Ambassador, a role designed to help bridge the gap between the stage and the community, and foster new audiences.

Who Decides the Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards?


This week for the award show series, I look at two award shows that do not consider Broadway: the Lucille Lortel Awards and the Obie Awards. 

Photos/Video: First Look at THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on Broadway


Get a first look at the new Broadway musical The Heart of Rock and Roll, as new photos and video have been released ahead of the show's April 22nd Opening Night.

Photos: See Kate Walsh, Naomi Lorrain & More in Rehearsal for JORDANS at The Public


Check out rehearsal photos for Jordans at The Public, starring Kate Walsh and more! Learn how to purchase tickets.

André De Shields, Shereen Pimentel & More Join CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL at PAC NYC


Perelman Performing Arts Center has reveald the initial cast for Cats: 'The Jellicle Ball'. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Launches Digital Lottery and Rush Policies


Ahead of its first preview this Friday, The Heart of Rock and Roll has announced its digital lottery and rush policies. Learn how to get discounted tickets for The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

American Theatre Wing Reveals 68th Obie Awards Jury and Eligibility Details


The American Theatre Wing has revealed the panel of judges and eligibility details for The 68th Obie Awards. Learn more about the awards here!

Kate Walsh & More to Star in JORDANS World Premiere at The Public Theater


The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of JORDANS written by Ife Olujobi and directed by Obie Award winner Whitney White. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Watch Corey Cott & More in THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL Music Video


Check out a brand-new music video from the cast of The Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway!

Photos: Inside First Rehearsal For THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL on Broadway


Rehearsals are now underway for The Heart of Rock and Roll, which is set to begin previews on March 29th, 2024. Check out all new photos from the show's first rehearsal here! 

Photos: Huey Lewis Greets Fans at THE HEART OF ROCK & ROLL Box Office Opening


Huey Lewis was on hand for the opening of the box office for the upcoming new musical The Heart of Rock and Roll. BroadwayWorld was there for the box office opening and appearance. Check out photos here!

CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Unveils Full Creative Team Featuring Rachel Hauck, Qween Jean, Adam Honoré & More


Perelman Performance Arts Center has revealed the full creative team for Cats: “The Jellicle Ball” inspired by the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Learn more about the production!

Huey Lewis Will Open the Box Office at THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL With Valentine's Day Ticket Discounts


Grammy® Award winner and rock and roll icon, Huey Lewis will appear live in person on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 at 12:30pm at the James Earl Jones Theatre, as he celebrates the box office opening of The Heart of Rock and Roll.

Corey Cott and McKenzie Kurtz Will Lead THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL; Full Cast Revealed!


The full cast has been revealed for the upcoming Broadway production of The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News. Find out who is starring in the musical here!

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING to Live Stream Final Week of Broadway Run


The League of Live Stream Theater will partner with Manhattan Theatre Club to present the Broadway sensation Jaja's African Hair Braiding via live stream.

Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Braiding Broadway with Nikiya Mathis


In this episode, I am joined by the incredible, Nikiya Mathis, to talk about her incredible career, not only as a performer, but as a sought-after hair and wig designer for tv, film, and theater! Her work can currently be seen in Jaja's African Hair Braiding on Broadway.

JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Extended Through Late November


Get the latest updates on JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, the hit Broadway show that has been extended. Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING on stage.

Photos: Taraji P. Henson, Noah Centineo & More Arrive on the Red Carpet for JAJA's AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING


Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, written by Jocelyn Bioh.

Photos: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night


Jaja’s African Hair Braiding officially opened last night, October 3, at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Performances run through Sunday, November 5. Check out photos from inside the festivities here!

Nikiya Mathis FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Nikiya Mathis been nominated for?

Nikiya Mathis has been nominated for the Sustained Achievement in Hair and Wig Design at the Obie Awards for "Nollywood Dreams" and for Outstanding Wig and Hair Design at the Drama Desk Awards for "STEW."

What awards has Nikiya Mathis won?

Nikiya Mathis has won the Sustained Achievement in Hair and Wig Design at the Obie Awards for the show Nollywood Dreams.

Get Nikiya Mathis Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos