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Sanaz Toossi

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Sanaz Toossi is an Iranian-American playwright, actor, and director based in New York City. She was born in Tehran, Iran, and raised in Orange County, California. Toossi's work explores themes of identity, displacement, and the immigrant experience.
Toossi earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from Columbia University. Her plays have been produced and developed at theaters across the United States, including the Roundabout Theatre Company, the Atlantic Theater Company, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival.
Toossi's play "Wish You Were Here" premiered at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2017. The play follows a group of Iranian immigrants who gather in a Los Angeles park to celebrate the Persian New Year. As they struggle to maintain their cultural traditions in a new country, they are forced to confront their own personal demons. The play was praised for its nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience and its exploration of the complexities of identity.
In 2019, Toossi's play "English" premiered at the Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City. The play follows a group of Iranian students who are studying in the United States during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. As they navigate the challenges of living in a foreign country during a time of political upheaval, they are forced to confront their own beliefs and values. The play was hailed as a powerful exploration of the immigrant experience and the complexities of cultural identity.
Toossi is also an accomplished actor and director. She has appeared on stage in productions of "The Who's Tommy" and "The Vagina Monologues," and has directed productions of "The Bald Soprano" and "The Lesson." Her work as a director has been praised for its clarity and precision, and for its ability to bring out the best in her actors.
In addition to her work in theater, Toossi has written for television. She was a staff writer on the HBO series "Room 104," and has also written for the Showtime series "The Chi." Her television writing has been praised for its sharp wit and its ability to tackle complex social issues with sensitivity and nuance.
Toossi's most recent work includes the play "Washeteria," which premiered at the Soho Rep Theatre in New York City in 2020. The play is set in a laundromat in Houston, Texas, and follows a group of characters as they navigate the challenges of life in a rapidly changing city. The play was hailed as a powerful exploration of race, class, and gentrification, and was praised for its sharp writing and its ability to tackle difficult social issues with humor and compassion.

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Review: ENGLISH at The Alliance

What did our critic think of ENGLISH at The Alliance? Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and praised by New York Theater Guide as 'a lively comedy and a profound exploration of the essence of communication and understanding,' ENGLISH by Sanaz Toossi, kicks off Alliance Theatre's 2023/24 season on the Hertz Stage until September 17th, 2023. A comedy of miscommunication, ENGLISH explores the crossroads of how we use language to communicate belonging and identify.

FAT HAM, RIDE, and More Set For the Old Globe's 2024 Season

The Old Globe has announced its 2024 Season with a lineup of premieres and new adaptations. Learn more about the productions in the upcoming season here!

A World Premiere Play, a New Bilingual Musical & More Join Atlantic Theater Company 2023-2024 Season

Get a sneak peek into the upcoming season at Atlantic Theater Company. From world premieres to bilingual musicals, stay updated on the diverse range of productions hitting the stage in the 2023-2024 season.

Application Period Now Open for 5th Round of NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) has just announced that applications are open for the fifth round of grants for the NYC Women's Fund for Media, Music and Theatre.

Yale Rep's WISH YOU WERE HERE Cast and Creative Team Revealed

Yale Repertory Theatre  begins its 2023–24 season with Wish You Were Here by Sanaz Toossi, directed by Sivan Battat, October 5–28, at Yale Repertory Theatre. Opening Night is Thursday, October 12, which is also press night.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of Barrington Stage Company & Williamstown Theatre Festival's NEW BRAIN

Barrington Stage Company (BSC) in association with Williamstown Theatre Festival (WTF) presented William Finn’s 1998 musical A NEW BRAIN on Barrington’s Boyd-Quinson mainstage. Check out the opening night photos and after party below.

Atlantic Theater Company's INFINITE LIFE Begins Performances Tonight

Get all the details about the highly-anticipated production of INFINITE LIFE at Atlantic Theater Company. Find out when and where the performances take place, and get a sneak peek into what to expect from this exciting new show. Don't miss out on this unforgettable theater experience!

Photos: First Look at BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY at Barrington Stage Company

Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky, directed by Candis C. Jones (The Public Theater: shadow/land; Studio Theater: Clyde’s) is currently running at Barrington Stage Company. The production plays through August 5, 2023 on BSC’s Boyd-Quinson Stage (30 Union Street). Check out photos from the production here!

Atlantic Theater Company to Present MIXFEST (WRIT)UAL MIX: TRADITIONS OF THE DIASPORA

oin Atlantic Theater Company's The Judith Champion MixFest as they showcase the best of traditional diaspora music. Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and experience a melodic journey through the rich traditions of the diaspora. Don't miss this unifying event that brings together diverse musical talents on one stage.

ENGLISH Comes to the Alliance Theatre Next Month

The Alliance Theatre has announced the cast of its upcoming regional premiere of ENGLISH. Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Alliance’s production will be directed by Iranian theatre & film director, choreographer, and writer, Shadi Ghaheri, who is now based in New York City.  

Bill Irwin and Jacob Ming-Trent to Join Eden Espinosa & More at WTF Cabaret

Don't miss the incredible lineup featuring Bill Irwin and Jacob Ming-Trent, joining Eden Espinosa and more at the highly anticipated WTF Cabaret. Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary performances and talent on display.

Playwright Sanaz Toossi & More to Star in ENGLISH at Barrington Stage Company

Discover the star-studded cast lined up for the highly anticipated production of ENGLISH at Barrington Stage Company. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the talent and brilliance in this must-see performance.

Sanaz Toossi Named Recipient of Manhattan Theatre Club's Judith Champion Playwriting Fellowship for 2023-2024

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi has been named the recipient of the prestigious Judith Champion Playwriting Fellowship for the 2023-2024 season at Manhattan Theatre Club.

Brandon Alvión, Tsilala Brock & More to Star in BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY at Barrington Stage Company

The full cast and creative team has been set for Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky at Barrington Stage Company, directed by Candis C. Jones.

Crystal Dickinson, Chaundre Hall-Broomfield & More to Star in COVENANT at Roundabout Underground

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the complete cast for the Roundabout Underground world premiere of Covenant by York Walker, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene.

Frank Wood, Abubakr Ali & b Join TOROS at Second Stage Theater Uptown

Complete casting has been set for Second Stage Theater's TOROS by Danny Tejera and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch. See who is starring, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Cast Revealed For TINY FATHER From Chautauqua Theater Company And Barrington Stage Company

Chautauqua Theater Company and Barrington Stage Company have announced full casting for their co-world premiere production of tiny father, a new play by Mike Lew (Teenage Dick) and directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel (Hand to God).

Michael Arden & Tinashe Kajese-Bolden to Direct THE PREACHER'S WIFE World Premiere at The Alliance Theatre

The Alliance Theatre has announced the stage directors for its 55th season. See full programming, and learn how to purchase tickets!

Jennifer Kiger Concludes Run at Yale Repertory Theatre; Chantal Rodriguez Appointed Associate Artistic Director

Yale Repertory Theatre has announced that Jennifer Kiger, Associate Artistic Director at Yale Rep and Director of New Play Programs, is stepping down from these roles effective June 30, 2023. She will continue to serve on the Playwriting faculty at David Geffen School of Drama.   

DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES Starring Kelli O'Hara & Brian d'Arcy James Extended; Adam Guettel Releases Demos

Atlantic Theater Company has announced a final extension for the world premiere musical Days of Wine and Roses. Adapted from the 1962 film and original 1958 teleplay, the new musical features a book by Tony Award nominee Craig Lucas, music & lyrics by Tony Award winner Adam Guettel, and direction by Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.

Sanaz Toossi FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sanaz Toossi has written 1 shows including English (Playwright).

Sanaz Toossi has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her play "Wish You Were Here." Additionally, she received a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her work on the play "English." Toossi was also nominated for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards and Best New American Play at the Obie Awards for "English." Lastly, she received a nomination for the John Gassner Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her contributions to "English."

Sanaz Toossi has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for English and the Best New American Play (Obie Awards) for English.

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