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Niegel Smith

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BIO

Niegel Smith is a director, writer, and performance artist known for his innovative and socially conscious work. He was born in the Bronx and raised in Maryland, and he holds a B.A. in directing from Howard University and an M.F.A. in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama.


Smith has directed a wide range of productions, from classic plays to experimental works. He is perhaps best known for his work with the theater company The Flea, where he served as artistic director from 2012-2017. During his tenure, he oversaw the development of numerous new plays and helped to establish The Flea as a leading venue for cutting-edge theater in New York City.
Smith's directing credits at The Flea include the world premiere of Thomas Bradshaw's "Burning," which was named a New York Times Critics' Pick, and the critically acclaimed production of "These Seven Sicknesses," a seven-hour adaptation of all of Sophocles' surviving plays. He also directed the world premiere of "Hatef**k" by Rehana Lew Mirza, which was a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
In addition to his work at The Flea, Smith has directed productions at a number of other theaters in New York and beyond. He has worked with companies such as the Public Theater, the New York Theatre Workshop, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and he has directed plays by playwrights such as Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Tarell Alvin McCraney.
In addition to his directing work, Smith is also a writer and performance artist. He has created a number of solo shows and performance pieces, including "Neighborhood Watch," which explores issues of race and gentrification in Brooklyn, and "F**king Up Everything," a rock musical that he co-wrote and directed.
Outside of the theater world, Smith has also worked in film and television. He served as a writer and director on the HBO series "Room 104," and he has directed music videos for artists such as Janelle Monáe and Hercules and Love Affair.
Most recently, Smith directed the world premiere of "Anatomy of a Suicide" by Alice Birch at Atlantic Theater Company. The play, which explores three generations of women struggling with mental illness, was praised by critics for its innovative structure and emotional depth.

Photos

Productions

 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 2020]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[West End, 2010]
Associate Director
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Associate Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Assistant Director
 
[Broadway, 2004]
Assistant to the Director

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Niegel SmithThe Hang

News


FROM KABUL WITH LOVE & More Receive Theatre Aspen 2024 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund Grant

Theatre Aspen has revealed two grant recipients of the 2024 Solo Flights Project Advancement Fund. Learn more about the Fund and about the projects.
Alley Theatre Reveals Cast for its 2024-25 Resident Acting Company

Alley Theatre revealed the casting for its 2024-25 Resident Acting Company, featuring a mix of returning members and new faces. The season will include a variety of productions showcasing the company's talent.
Theatre Aspen to Present Six New Works at SOLO FLIGHTS FESTIVAL

Theatre Aspen revealed the six newworks selected for the fifth annual Solo Flights Festival. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Len Cariou, Anthony Rapp And More Announced for Theatre Aspen SOLO FLIGHTS Festival

THEATRE ASPEN has announced the lineup for its fifth annual SOLO FLIGHTS festival, featuring a diverse range of solo performances. The festival continues to celebrate and showcase individual storytelling talent.
Alley Theatre 2024-25 Season Single Tickets On Sale

Single tickets for the Alley Theatre's 2024-25 season are now available. The lineup features a diverse range of productions, promising an exciting theatrical experience for audiences.
Alley Theatre 2024-25 Season Single Tickets on Sale

Tickets to the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre's 2024-25 season are now available for purchase. Learn how to purchase!
THE RITUAL OF BREATH IS THE RITE TO RESIST At Lincoln Center's 2024 Summer For The City Festival

The Hop-produced contemporary opera centers Black healing and community in New York on the 10th anniversary of Eric Garner’s killing.
The Flea to Present THE RITUAL OF BREATH IS THE RITE TO RESIST as Part of Summer for the City

The Flea will present The Ritual of Breath, a transdisciplinary opera and creative act of resistance, as partof Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series. Learn more and see how to attend!
The Flea to Launch Fourth Annual Juneteenth Free Public Performances

The Flea Theater will present its fourth annual Juneteenth celebration with free public performances. Learn more about programming and see how to purchase tickets.
Alley Theatre to Host Open Auditions for Houston Actors for Its 2024-2025 Season

2024-25 Seasonal Auditions for Houston actors will be at Alley Theatre. Learn more about the season and see how to audition!
Alley Theatre Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring World Premieres & More

The Alley Theatre has unveiled its 2024-25 season, including classic works, world premiere plays, a murder mystery, and lots of laughter. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Tickets Now On Sale For The World Premiere Production Of Jesús I. Valles' BATHHOUSE.PPTX At The Flea

Tickets are now on sale for the world-premiere production BATHHOUSE.PPTX, written by Jesús I. Valles and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew. BATHHOUSE.PPTX will run at The Flea Theater (20 Thomas Street) from Tuesday, March 19 through Monday, April 22, with opening night set for Saturday, March 23.
BATHHOUSE.PPTX World Premiere to be Presented at The Flea in March

The Flea will present the world-premiere production BATHHOUSE.PPTX, by Jesús I. Valles, directed by Obie Award-winnerChay Yew.
BARK OF MILLIONS New Rock Opera From Taylor Mac, Matt Ray, And Machine Dazzle Makes US Premiere At BAM, February 5- 10

'Bark of Millions, a new rock opera from Taylor Mac, Matt Ray, and Machine Dazzle, makes its US premiere at BAM from Feb 5—10. Don't miss this landmark exhibition celebrating LGBTQ artists in downtown NYC, opening on Feb 1.'
BAM Sets 2024 Winter/Spring Season Featuring New Rock Opera From Taylor Mac & More

BAM ushers in 2024 by presenting a season that honors the power of artistic community. See program details and learn how to purchase tickets!
The Flea Theater Appoints Dr. Lauren Britt-Elmore as New Executive Director

The Flea has appointed Dr. Lauren Britt-Elmore as Executive Director to co-lead the Tribeca theater dedicated to the works of Black, brown, and queer artists.
The Flea to Present Staged Reading of BATHHOUSE.PPTX by Jesús Valles

Don't miss the staged reading and presentation of the Yale Drama Series Prize-winning play, 'Bathhouse.pptx,' at The Flea Theatre on Monday, October 30. Find out more about this exciting event and be a part of the theater community's buzzing conversation.
The Flea to Hold Third Annual Juneteenth Public Performances & Symposium This Summer

The Flea has commissioned Jack Fuller, Shelley, Nicole, and Trebien Pollard to stage public performances, along with Flea Artistic Director, Niegel Smith, as part of the theater company’s third annual Juneteenth Public Performances & Symposium.
Video: Watch Suzan-Lori Parks Talk PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR on PBS NEWSHOUR

Watch Suzan-Lori Parks discuss Plays for the Plague Year at the Public Theater on PBS Newshour.
Review Roundup: PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR Return Engagement at The Public Theater

Read the reviews for Plays for the Plague Year's return engagement at The Public Theater.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Drama League Awards) for The Hang.

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