Azar Kazemi
Birth Place: Pullman, Washington
Latest News on Azar Kazemi:
Cast and Creative Team Set for Sanaz Toossi's WISH YOU WERE HERE at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company (Jun 26, 2025)
HEDDA GABLER and More Set for Remy Bumppo Theatre Company 30th Anniversary Season (May 29, 2025)
LIE OF THE MIND Extended At Raven Theatre (Mar 10, 2025)
Cast and Creative Team Set for Sanaz Toossi's WISH YOU WERE HERE at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company (Jun 26, 2025)
HEDDA GABLER and More Set for Remy Bumppo Theatre Company 30th Anniversary Season (May 29, 2025)
LIE OF THE MIND Extended At Raven Theatre (Mar 10, 2025)
BIO
Azar Kazemi is first-generation Persian American and a freelance director and educator based in Chicago. She directs socially-charged plays where the political and personal collide. Kazemi is an Equity Jeff-nominated director for her work on Rivendell Theatre Ensemble’s world premiere of MOTHERHOUSE by Tuckie White.
For the 24/25 season, she directed a sold-out run of Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre and Steep Theatre’s world premiere of HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE (AGAIN) by Omer Abbas Salem at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, which was named one of the top ten shows of 2024 by the Chicago Tribune.
Kazemi received her MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University, where she is also on faculty and received the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award. Before moving to Chicago she assistant directed three Off-Broadway productions with The New Group, two under the direction of her mentor Ethan Hawke. Kazemi is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
For the 25/26 season, Kazemi is directing the Chicago premiere of WISH YOU WERE HERE by Sanaz Toossi at Remy Bumppo and Toossi’s Pulitzer Prize winning play ENGLISH, at Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Productions
News
Cast and Creative Team Set for Sanaz Toossi's WISH YOU WERE HERE at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2025
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has revealed the cast, creative and production teams for the Chicago premiere and first production in its 30th anniversary season, Wish You Were Here. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2025
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has revealed the cast, creative and production teams for the Chicago premiere and first production in its 30th anniversary season, Wish You Were Here. Learn more!
HEDDA GABLER and More Set for Remy Bumppo Theatre Company 30th Anniversary Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2025
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has announced its 2025–2026 season, marking its 30th year of producing language-driven theatre in Chicago. The milestone season will include the Chicago premiere of Wish You Were Here by Sanaz Toossi, a revival of Hedda Gabler adapted by Christopher Shinn, and the return of the reading series Readings on Ravenswood in spring 2026.
by A.A. Cristi - May 29, 2025
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company has announced its 2025–2026 season, marking its 30th year of producing language-driven theatre in Chicago. The milestone season will include the Chicago premiere of Wish You Were Here by Sanaz Toossi, a revival of Hedda Gabler adapted by Christopher Shinn, and the return of the reading series Readings on Ravenswood in spring 2026.
LIE OF THE MIND Extended At Raven Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2025
Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company has announced the extension of its hit production of Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND, now running through March 29, 2025.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 10, 2025
Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company has announced the extension of its hit production of Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND, now running through March 29, 2025.
Cast Set for Sam Shepard's A LIE OF THE MIND at Raven Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024
Chicago's Raven Theatre Company has revealed the cast and production team for Sam Shepard's A LIE OF THE MIND, directed by Azar Kazemi. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024
Chicago's Raven Theatre Company has revealed the cast and production team for Sam Shepard's A LIE OF THE MIND, directed by Azar Kazemi. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Raven Theatre Reveals 42nd Season Lineup For 2024-25
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2024
Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company has announced its upcoming productions and programming during the company’s 42nd season in 2024 - 2025. Learn more about the lineup here!
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2024
Chicago’s Raven Theatre Company has announced its upcoming productions and programming during the company’s 42nd season in 2024 - 2025. Learn more about the lineup here!
Steep Theatre Announces Two New Shows for 2024 Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 10, 2024
Steep Theatre will be back on stage in 2024 with two new productions that continue the company's tradition of bringing new work to Chicago audiences.
by A.A. Cristi - May 10, 2024
Steep Theatre will be back on stage in 2024 with two new productions that continue the company's tradition of bringing new work to Chicago audiences.
MOTHERHOUSE Comes to Rivendell Theatre Ensemble This Week
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble will remount the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 12, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble will remount the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!
Goodman Theatre, Paramount Theatre & More Nominated for Equity Jeff Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2023
Discover the nominations for the 55th Anniversary Jeff Awards for Equity Theater! Find out who made the cut and get ready for the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 14, 2023
Discover the nominations for the 55th Anniversary Jeff Awards for Equity Theater! Find out who made the cut and get ready for the highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Hit Production MOTHERHOUSE Reopening At Rivendell Theatre Ensemble This Fall
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE), Chicago’s only Equity theatre dedicated to advancing the lives of women through the power of theatre, will remount the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi this fall.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 7, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE), Chicago’s only Equity theatre dedicated to advancing the lives of women through the power of theatre, will remount the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi this fall.
MOTHERHOUSE World Premiere Extends Into the Summer at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 10, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is adding performances to the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 10, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is adding performances to the sold-out world premiere run of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
MOTHERHOUSE Extends for Two Weeks at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 12, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has announced the two-week extension of the world premiere of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 12, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has announced the two-week extension of the world premiere of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
World Premiere of MOTHERHOUSE by Tuckie White to be Presented by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble will present the world premiere of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2023
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble will present the world premiere of Motherhouse by RTE Ensemble member Tuckie White, directed by Azar Kazemi.
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble Announces Fall 2022 Programming Featuring the FRESH PRODUCE FESTIVAL & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 23, 2022
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has announced its 2022 Fall line-up including the return of the Fresh Produce Festival: A Celebration of New Plays by Women; and the World Premiere of A Mile in the Dark by Emily Schwend, directed by RTE member Georgette Verdin, in a co-production with Interrobang Theatre Project.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 23, 2022
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble has announced its 2022 Fall line-up including the return of the Fresh Produce Festival: A Celebration of New Plays by Women; and the World Premiere of A Mile in the Dark by Emily Schwend, directed by RTE member Georgette Verdin, in a co-production with Interrobang Theatre Project.
Outdoor and Online Programming Expands Goodman Audiences by 150,000+
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 23, 2021
Over the past year, more than 150,000 people consumed Goodman's 12 online streaming productions, beginning with Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 23, 2021
Over the past year, more than 150,000 people consumed Goodman's 12 online streaming productions, beginning with Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play directed by Lili-Anne Brown.
Goodman Theatre to Present Virtual Readings of THE SECRETARIES and TOKENS OF PROMISE
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2021
Goodman Theatre announces two Future Labs FREE virtual readings for February and March—The Secretaries by Omer Abbas Salem, directed by Audrey Francis and Tokens of Promise by Ada A., directed by Sydney Chatman.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2021
Goodman Theatre announces two Future Labs FREE virtual readings for February and March—The Secretaries by Omer Abbas Salem, directed by Audrey Francis and Tokens of Promise by Ada A., directed by Sydney Chatman.
Casting Announced For Goodman Theatre's Free Future Labs Reading Of LAYLINA
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 27, 2021
Goodman Theatre announces the full cast for the FREE live reading of Layalina, January 30 at 7pm, continuing work on the first project of the new Future Labs program. The full SWANA (South West Asian, North African) cast all make their Goodman debuts with this reading; find the full cast list below.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 27, 2021
Goodman Theatre announces the full cast for the FREE live reading of Layalina, January 30 at 7pm, continuing work on the first project of the new Future Labs program. The full SWANA (South West Asian, North African) cast all make their Goodman debuts with this reading; find the full cast list below.
Goodman Theatre Present LAYLINA Virtual Reading January 30
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2021
Layalina by Martin Yousif Zebari, the first play of Goodman Theatre's Future Labs, makes its virtual debut, launching the theater's newest effort to develop new plays. Directed by Azar Kazemi, Layalina examines how families maintain their love in the midst of turbulent global and social change.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2021
Layalina by Martin Yousif Zebari, the first play of Goodman Theatre's Future Labs, makes its virtual debut, launching the theater's newest effort to develop new plays. Directed by Azar Kazemi, Layalina examines how families maintain their love in the midst of turbulent global and social change.
Casting Complete For 15th Annual New Stages Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2018
Casting is complete for the three "developmental productions" featured in Goodman Theatre's 15th annual New Stages Festival-a free celebration of new works by some of the country's finest established and emerging playwrights. These three plays, which are staged in repertory following two weeks of rehearsal, include There's Always the Hudson by Paola Lazaro-Muñoz, directed by Jess McLeod; Felons and Familias by Sandra Delgado, directed by Marcela Muñoz; and Graveyard Shift by Korde Arrington Tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor. Developmental productions are designed by Kevin Depinet (Set), Noel Huntzinger (Costumes for There's Always the Hudson and Graveyard Shift), Birgit Rattenborg Wise (Costumes for Felons and Familias), Jesse Klug (Lights) and Richard Woodbury (Sound).
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2018
Casting is complete for the three "developmental productions" featured in Goodman Theatre's 15th annual New Stages Festival-a free celebration of new works by some of the country's finest established and emerging playwrights. These three plays, which are staged in repertory following two weeks of rehearsal, include There's Always the Hudson by Paola Lazaro-Muñoz, directed by Jess McLeod; Felons and Familias by Sandra Delgado, directed by Marcela Muñoz; and Graveyard Shift by Korde Arrington Tuttle, directed by Danya Taymor. Developmental productions are designed by Kevin Depinet (Set), Noel Huntzinger (Costumes for There's Always the Hudson and Graveyard Shift), Birgit Rattenborg Wise (Costumes for Felons and Familias), Jesse Klug (Lights) and Richard Woodbury (Sound).
2018 New Stages Fest Lineup Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2018
This fall, Goodman Theatre presents its New Stages Festival-a free annual celebration and discovery of new plays by some of the country's finest established and emerging playwrights. Audiences experience a first look at seven new works-including three fully staged developmental productions (performed in repertory) There's Always the Hudson by Paola Lazaro-Muñoz; Felons and Familias by Sandra Delgado; Graveyard Shift by Korde Arrington Tuttle. In addition, four staged readings appear during the last weekend of the festival (October 4-7) including The Wizards by Ricardo Gamboa; Between Covers by Sarah Schulman; Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle; and Cressida on Top by Paula Vogel.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2018
This fall, Goodman Theatre presents its New Stages Festival-a free annual celebration and discovery of new plays by some of the country's finest established and emerging playwrights. Audiences experience a first look at seven new works-including three fully staged developmental productions (performed in repertory) There's Always the Hudson by Paola Lazaro-Muñoz; Felons and Familias by Sandra Delgado; Graveyard Shift by Korde Arrington Tuttle. In addition, four staged readings appear during the last weekend of the festival (October 4-7) including The Wizards by Ricardo Gamboa; Between Covers by Sarah Schulman; Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle; and Cressida on Top by Paula Vogel.
Goodman Theatre's Playwrights Unit Presents Free Staged Readings
by Julie Musbach - Jun 25, 2018
Goodman Theatre announces a line-up of free staged readings written by members of its Playwrights Unit-a year-long residency for Chicago-based writers to develop their plays-in-progress with the Goodman's artistic team, in partnership with Chicago Dramatists.
by Julie Musbach - Jun 25, 2018
Goodman Theatre announces a line-up of free staged readings written by members of its Playwrights Unit-a year-long residency for Chicago-based writers to develop their plays-in-progress with the Goodman's artistic team, in partnership with Chicago Dramatists.
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