Photo by DJ Corey
About Me...
Hi, I'm Shana! I am an actor, director, and dramaturg whose passions are ignited by new works, rich texts with socio-political relevance, and stories with a little grit. I believe that theatre is a place to build collective care for humanity, highlighting people that are multi-dimensional, complex, and difficult to define. I care deeply about my communities and have found that theatre is unique in its power to open the ears, hearts, and minds of those who engage with it. That is why I focus my energy on work brought to life by the incredible artists that surround us now who have been underrepresented and present a fresh perspective to share with the world.
I was born and raised in Chicago and currently live in the beautiful city of Washington, DC. I have had the pleasure of working with many theaters in this community such as Arena Stage, Round House, Mosaic, Folger Shakespeare Theatre, Theater J, and many more. I graduated from Wesleyan University with majors in Theatre and American Studies, and a minor in African American Studies.
Up Next...
STAGED READING: BABY/STUFF by David A. Hindin and Marisol Rosa-Shapiro
I am so proud to be directing the workshop and presentations of the new play, Baby/Stuff, this summer before it is a part of the illustrious Hollywood Fringe Festival. I am working closely with playwright David Hindin to produce our staged reading at Bus Boys and Poets in Takoma Park (June 9) and at their U/14th Street location (June 14) at 7pm. Reservations will be available soon and more information about the philanthropic element of the presentation is to come. Stay tuned!
THE KENNEDY CENTER: SHEAR MADNESS dir. Bob Lohrmann
I am so excited to be making my Kennedy Center debut as Barbara DeMarco in the long running whodunnit, Shear Madness! I can't wait to tackle this larger than life farce, chock-full of improv, physical comedy, and LOTS of audience participation. You can catch me onstage March 3-June 5, Mondays at 8pm and Tuesday-Thursday at 5pm! Grab your tickets HERE!
Nathan Pugh,
Wesleyan Argus review of The Wolves
"Laski plays the role with a steely attitude and a brashness, which we come to understand masks an unshakable insecurity. It’s remarkable that although #7 is the most confident person on the team (especially about her body and sexuality), it is through her domineering presence that we can identify her vulnerability."
Amanda Gunther, TheaterBloom review of Closer
“Playing the hardened and enigmatic Alice, Shana Laski is one of the more fiery elements of this performance quartet... Laski presents a perpetually jaded and aloof frontage to the character of Alice, which is a marvelous mask to the deeply disturbed inner life of Alice. "
Mary Lincer,
Broadway World review of The Pliant Girls
"Shana Laski's choreography, for the women especially, helps visually mark the many shifts in the text. "