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...
CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY/THE FOLGER: A ROOM IN THE CASTLE dir. Kaja Dunn
For the first time, I will be following a world premiere across the country to be apart of its full run. I am so grateful to my dear friends at the Folger for bringing me along for the ride. I will be assistant directing and dramaturging this brand new Lauren Gunderson play under the guiding hand of the brilliant Kaja Dunn. Kaja and I last collaborated on The Winter's Tale at the Folger and we are so excited to be back together to bring this new lens for Shakspeare's Hamlet to life. The show will start its process in the beautiful city of Cincinnati, OH and will make its way to the Folger the next month with the same cast and creative team. Come and see us at CSC from January 24th through February 9th, 2025, and in DC from March 4th through April 6th, 2025.
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 iMonday-Thursday in the early evening cast! 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. "