Claudia Shear

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Claudia Shear BIO

Claudia Shear is an American actress, writer, and producer who has made a name for herself in both theater and film. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1962, Shear grew up in a Jewish family and attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Shear's breakout role came in 1993 when she wrote and starred in the one-woman show "Blown Sideways Through Life." The play, which chronicled Shear's experiences working a variety of odd jobs, was a critical and commercial success, earning Shear an Obie Award and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Solo Performance.

In 2000, Shear made her Broadway debut with "Dirty Blonde," a play she co-wrote with James Lapine. The show, which explored the life of legendary actress Mae West, earned Shear a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play. Shear also received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for her performance.

Shear's other Broadway credits include roles in "The Women," "Smash," and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife." She has also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including "Straight," "Restoration," and "The Adult Life of Toulouse Lautrec."

In addition to her work on stage, Shear has also made a name for herself in film and television. She appeared in the 1997 film "Living Out Loud" alongside Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito, and had a recurring role on the television series "Friends" as the character of Mary the "stalker." She has also made guest appearances on a number of other popular TV shows, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Mindy Project," and "Difficult People."

Shear is also a prolific writer and has contributed to a number of publications, including The New York Times, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. She has also written several plays, including "Dirty Blonde" and "Restoration," which was later adapted into a film starring Robert Downey Jr.

In addition to her work in the arts, Shear is also an activist and has been involved in a number of social justice causes. She has worked with organizations such as the Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Hetrick-Martin Institute, which provides support to LGBTQ youth.

Shear's talent and versatility as an actress and writer have earned her numerous accolades throughout her career. In addition to her Tony and Drama Desk nominations, she has also been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, a MacArthur Fellowship, and a New York State Council on the Arts grant.

Despite her success, Shear remains humble and grounded, and is known for her generosity and kindness towards others. She continues to work in the arts and to use her platform to advocate for social change, making her a true inspiration to all who know her.

Claudia Shear Photos

Claudia Shear STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
The New Group Off-Broadway American Premiere, 2017
Performer

[West End]
London Production, 2004
Jo/Mae

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Debra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Jo/Mae

Jo, Mae

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Jo/Mae

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Performer

Claudia Shear Productions

 
[Broadway, 2016]
Book

Writing

Author
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Conceiver
Playwright

Claudia Shear Awards and Nominations

Theatre World Awards - 2000 - Performance

Claudia Shear, Dirty Blonde

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Play

Claudia Shear, Dirty Blonde

Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding One Person Show

Claudia Shear , Blown Sideways Through Life

Obie Awards - 1994 - Special Citations

Claudia Shear, Blown Sideways Through Life

Claudia Shear Videos

Claudia Shear News


Kathleen Chalfant, Jonathan Raviv, and More Set for HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES at NYTW

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast & creative team for Here There Are Blueberries, co-written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony & Emmy Award nominee Moisés Kaufman & Emmy Award nominee Amanda Gronich, and conceived & directed by Moisés Kaufman.

Concord Music Publishing Signs Broadway Songwriting Team Chris Miller & Nathan Tysen

Concord Music Publishing has signed songwriting team Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen. Learn more about the pair and about the publishing deal.

Square Foot Theatre's TUCK EVERLASTING Opens This Week

Join the Parade with Square Foot Theatre’s TUCK EVERLASTING, a hit production based on the classic novel by Natalie Babbitt. Follow Winnie Foster as she uncovers a secret in her own woods, alongside the immortal Tuck Family.

Creative Team Set for I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I COULD DIE Directed by Lucas Hnath

New York Theatre Workshop has revealed the full creative team for I Love You So Much I Could Die, written and performed by NYTW Usual Suspect Mona Pirnot (Private), and directed by NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony Award nominee Lucas Hnath (Red Speedo).

New York Theatre Workshop Reveals 2023/24 Season 2050 Administrative Fellows & Producing Fellow

Find out what's in store for New York Theatre Workshop's 2023/24 season as they announce their lineup and introduce the 2050 Administrative Fellows. Get a sneak peek into the productions and meet the talented individuals who will contribute to the success of the theater.

Photos: First look at Worthington Community Theatre's TUCK EVERLASTING

Worthington Community Theatre wants to know - what would you do if you had all eternity? Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey. Performances are July 21, 22, & 28 29 @ 7:30PM and July 23 & 30 @ 2:30PM McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St. Worthington, OH 43085. For Tickets https://www.mcconnellarts.org/worthington-community-theatre-presents-tuck-everlasting/

New York Theatre Workshop to Present the 05Fest - in Conjunction with THE HALF-GOD OF RAINFALL

Discover the excitement at New York Theatre Workshop's 05Fest, where THE HALF-GOD OF RAINFALL takes center stage. Immerse yourself in a festival of innovative theater and experience the best of what NYTW has to offer. Don't miss this captivating celebration of theater!

Alexandra Silber, Jason Bowen & More to Star in THE HALF-GOD OF RAINFALL at New York Theatre Workshop

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast and creative team for The Half-God of Rainfall. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

New York Theatre Workshop Reveals 2050 Fellows, New Company-in-Residence and Artistic Department Expansion

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the artists selected for the 2023/24 Season 2050 Artistic Fellowship.

Three World Premieres & More Set for New York Theatre Workshop 2023/24 Season

New York Theatre Workshop has announced its 2023/24 Season, the first programmed by Artistic Director Patricia McGregor. See full programming and see how to purchase tickets!

TUCK EVERLASTING Opens at First Act Theatre Arts This Week

With less than a week away First Act Theatre Arts is getting ready to welcome audiences into the world of Tuck Everlasting. Originally to be produced in their spring 2020 season and cancelled due to the pandemic, First Act will finally bring this story to life.

Photos: First Look at Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre's TUCK EVERLASTING TYA

On Friday, April 28 Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre will open TUCK EVERLASTING TYA at the NorShor Theatre. Based on Natalie Babbitt’s best-selling children’s classic, this Theatre for Young Audiences edition of TUCK EVERLASTING is a condensed version of the Broadway musical. With a run time of 70 minutes, this production is great for folks of all ages. Check out production photos here!

Tituss Burgess, Sean Hayes, Rachel Dratch & More to Join New York Theatre Workshop's 2023 Gala

New York Theatre Workshop's 2023 Gala will be held on Monday May 1 at 6PM at Capitale. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets!

Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre Presents TUCK EVERLASTING TYA

Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre is a celebration of young artists ages 8 - 18 collaborating and connecting through the power of live theatre. In this production, young performers are given the opportunity to showcase their talents and theatrical skills on the historic NorShor Theatre stage.

South Glens Falls High School Presents TUCK EVERLASTING

The South Glens Falls High School's annual musical production for the 2022-23 school year, Tuck Everlasting, will be held on Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1.

New York Theatre Workshop to Host ARE WE THERE YET World Premiere Presented by Teens Ukraine Theater

New York Theatre Workshop host the world premiere of Are We There Yet, theatre told verbatim by Ukrainian teen refugees this month.

Photos: See Bernadette Peters, Kelli O'Hara, Lily Allen & More on the Red Carpet of A DOLL'S HOUSE

Check out photos from the red carpet at A Doll's House on Broadway!

Photos: Stars Gather to Honor Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Scott Ellis, and Black Theatre United at Roundabout Gala

Just last night, Roundabout Theatre Company celebrated its 2023 Gala honoring Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Scott Ellis, and Black Theatre United. Check out photos from the red carpet!

Review: DIRTY BLONDE At CV Rep

What did our critic think of DIRTY BLONDE at CV Rep?

Talia Ryder to Lead HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF at New York Theatre Workshop; Full Cast & Creative Team Announced

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast and creative team for How to Defend Yourself by Liliana Padilla. See performance dates, how to purchase tickets, and more!

Claudia Shear FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Claudia Shear has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

Claudia Shear has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

Claudia Shear's first West End show was Dirty Blonde which opened in 2004

Claudia Shear has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Dirty Blonde, Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dirty Blonde, Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Dirty Blonde, Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Dirty Blonde, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Dirty Blonde, Best Play at the Tony Awards for Dirty Blonde, Outstanding One Person Show at the Drama Desk Awards for Blown Sideways Through Life, and Special Citations at the Obie Awards for Blown Sideways Through Life.

Claudia Shear has won several awards for her work in theater. She won the Outstanding Actress - Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in "Dirty Blonde." She also won the Outstanding New Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. Additionally, Shear received a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for her role in "Dirty Blonde." She also received Special Citations at the Obie Awards for her work in "Blown Sideways Through Life."

Claudia Shear has written 5 shows including Blown Sideways Through Life (Playwright), Dirty Blonde (Author), Dirty Blonde (Bookwriter), Restoration (Playwright), Tuck Everlasting (Bookwriter).

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