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Jocelyn Bioh

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BIO

Jocelyn Bioh was born and raised in New York City. Broadway: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Off Broadway: An Octoroon (Soho Rep, World Premiere), SEED (Classical Theater of Harlem, World Premiere), NEIGHBORS (The Public Theater, World Premiere). Regional: BootyCandy (Wilma Theater), Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet (City Theatre). Various Workshops at: Soho Rep, The Public Theater, The Lark, Hi-Arts NYC, Arena Stages, Eugene O'Neill Center. TV: “Louie” (FX), “One Life to Live” (ABC), CoverGirl Spokesmodel (National Commerical/Print Ads). B.A in English and Theatre from The Ohio State University, M.F.A in Theatre - Playwriting from Columbia University. Twitter/Instagram: @Jjbioh.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Red Letter Plays: In the Blood The Red Letter Plays: In the Blood
[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Production, 2017
Performer
Everybody Everybody
[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Original Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Men on Boats Men on Boats
[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway Production, 2016
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Ensemble
An Octoroon An Octoroon
[Off-Broadway]
Soho Rep Production, 2014
Performer

Productions

Jaja's African Hair Braiding
 
[West End, 2026]
Writer
GoddessGoddess
 
[Off-Broadway, 2025]
Book
School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls PlaySchool Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Playwright

Writing

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Play

Jocelyn Bioh, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding New Broadway Play

Jocelyn Bioh, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Play

Jocelyn Bioh, Jaja's African Hair Braiding

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Jocelyn Bioh, In the Blood

Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Play

Jocelyn Bioh, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play

Drama League Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play

Jocelyn Bioh, School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - John Gassner Award

Jocelyn Bioh, School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - John Gassner Award

Kate Benson, [Porto]


winner
The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Play

Jocelyn Bioh, School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play

The Lortels - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Jocelyn Bioh, Everybody

Videos

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News


Amalia Yoo, Morgan Scott, Natalie Rebenkoff, To Lead Industry Reading Of New Play BLUELIGHT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 14, 2026

286 Productions to present an invite-only industry reading of the new play Bluelight, written and directed by Carley Lovito, on Monday, February 23 in New York City.
Video: Behind the Scenes of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Photo
Video: Behind the Scenes of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Michael Major - Jan 30, 2026

Watch a video of Ndidi (Bola Akeju), Aminata (babirye bukilwa), Miriam (Jadesola Odunjo), Bea (Dolapo Oni) – along with manager Marie (Sewa Zamba) and director Monique Touko share what this sacred place.
Cast Set For JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Lyric Hammersmith Photo
Cast Set For JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Lyric Hammersmith
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026

Lyric Hammersmith Theatre had announced casting for the UK premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Jaja's African Hair Braiding which runs at the venue from Wednesday 18 March – Saturday 25 April 2026.
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING To Play The Contemporary Theatre Of Ohio Photo
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING To Play The Contemporary Theatre Of Ohio
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2026

Jaja’s African Hair Braiding will be presented by The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio as part of its current season. The Tony-nominated play by Jocelyn Bioh follows a group of West African immigrant hair braiders navigating work, community, and identity in Harlem.
Cast Set for THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL at The Apollo Photo
Cast Set for THE FIRE THIS TIME FESTIVAL at The Apollo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 7, 2026

FRIGID New York and The Apollo will present the 17th season of the Obie Award-winning The Fire This Time Festival, a platform for playwrights of African and African-American descent to write and produce evocative material for diverse audiences.
The Apollo Partners With The Fire This Time Festival Photo
The Apollo Partners With The Fire This Time Festival
by Stephi Wild - Oct 31, 2025

The Apollo announced that The Fire This Time Festival, the Obie-Award-winning theater festival celebrating playwrights of African and African American descent, will make its permanent home at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria.
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING & More Lead Los Angeles's November 2025 Top Theatre Sh Photo
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING & More Lead Los Angeles's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by BWW Staff - Oct 30, 2025

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Jaja’s African Hair Braiding​​​​​​​ and more.
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION Photo
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the Dramatists Guild Foundation Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 21, 2025

The Dramatists Guild Foundation hosted its annual Gala  at Ziegfeld Ballroom. This year’s Gala celebrated 25 years of the DGF Fellows program, fostering emerging dramatists through mentorship and collaboration to prepare their next great story for the stage. Check out photos here!
Photos: Dylan Mulvaney, Micaela Diamond, & More Attend CAA’s Women on Broadway Even Photo
Photos: Dylan Mulvaney, Micaela Diamond, & More Attend CAA’s Women on Broadway Event
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 16, 2025

Earlier this week, Creative Artists Agency hosted a Women on Broadway cocktail celebration in New York City. The event celebrated the ongoing contributions of women who are making Broadway and New York theater a success. Check out photos from the event here.
Review: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Mark Taper Forum Photo
Review: JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at Mark Taper Forum
by Evan Henerson - Oct 13, 2025

JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, completing a mini tour of regional theaters at the Mark Taper Forum following an acclaimed New York run in the fall of 2023, is a tender and humorous snapshot of a community and also a plea for community.
Black Women on Broadway to Launch Two New Initiatives Photo
Black Women on Broadway to Launch Two New Initiatives
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025

Black Women on Broadway will launch two inspiring programs designed to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women in theatre, from aspiring high school students to emerging professional playwrights. Learn more!
2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced Photo
2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025

The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Interview: Victoire Charles of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at The Mark Taper Forum Photo
Interview: Victoire Charles of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING at The Mark Taper Forum
by Andrew Child - Oct 5, 2025

When Victoire Charles first read Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh, it became the second play she had ever read in which she immediately knew she wanted to be involved.
Applications Now Open For The 6th Year Of The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program Photo
Applications Now Open For The 6th Year Of The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program
by Stephi Wild - Oct 1, 2025

The CRR Scholarship Program will continue to distribute $100,000 amongst 10 recipients and will offer the cohort various online work sessions focused on leadership, community building, social justice, mentorship, professional growth, and more.
Manhattan Theater Club Names Nicki Hunter as New Artistic Director Photo
Manhattan Theater Club Names Nicki Hunter as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025

Manhattan Theater Club has named Nicki Hunter as its next artistic director. Learn more about Hunter and about the changes being made to the organization here!
The Music Center Announces Fall Lineup, Including JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, PAR Photo
The Music Center Announces Fall Lineup, Including JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY and More
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2025

The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles will present a wide-ranging Fall 2025 lineup across Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, Jerry Moss Plaza, and Gloria Molina Grand Park.
BWW Q&A: Jacob Ming-Trent on MERRY WIVES at Shakespeare Theatre Company Photo
BWW Q&A: Jacob Ming-Trent on MERRY WIVES at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Sep 19, 2025

Shakespeare Theatre Company is currently presenting Merry Wives, and we spoke to Jacob Ming-Trent about the production. The first show of STC’s forthcoming 40th Anniversary Season, Merry Wives is adapted by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Taylor Reynolds (Studio Theatre’s Fat Ham). Merry Wives plays STC’s Harman Hall through October 5.
Review: MERRY WIVES at Harman Hall Photo
Review: MERRY WIVES at Harman Hall
by Laurie Sara Oliver - Sep 17, 2025

What did our critic think of MERRY WIVES at Harman Hall? Shakespeare Theatre Company is opening their 40th Season with Merry Wives, pulling one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays into modern day Harlem while retaining all the impact of the original work. 
Exclusive: Backstage With Mira Sorvino and Angela Grovey at CHICAGO Photo
Exclusive: Backstage With Mira Sorvino and Angela Grovey at CHICAGO
by Bruce Glikas - Sep 16, 2025

Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino joined Chicago on Broadway on September 15 alongside Angela Grovey as “Matron Mama Morton.' BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos of the duo backstage!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jocelyn Bioh been in?

Jocelyn Bioh has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Jocelyn Bioh been in?

Jocelyn Bioh has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jocelyn Bioh been nominated for?

Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Outstanding New Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for In the Blood, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play (Drama League Awards) for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, John Gassner Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play, John Gassner Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for [Porto], Outstanding Play (The Lortels) for School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Everybody.

What awards has Jocelyn Bioh won?

Jocelyn Bioh has won the John Gassner Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play. She also received the Outstanding Play award from The Lortels for School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play.

How many shows has Jocelyn Bioh written?

Jocelyn Bioh has written 3 shows including School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play (Playwright), Nollywood Dreams (Playwright), Jaja's African Hair Braiding (Playwright).

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