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Bess Wohl is a Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright and filmmaker whose acclaimed works include Liberation, Grand Horizons, Small Mouth Sounds, and Camp Siegfried. Her play Liberation earned Tony nominations, a GLAAD Media Award, and widespread critical acclaim, with productions featured on numerous “Best of the Year” lists.
Jocelyn Bioh
Jocelyn Bioh was born and raised in New York City. Broadway: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Latest News on Jocelyn Bioh:
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
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Ensemble
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
See how Jocelyn Bioh connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Jocelyn Bioh from another Broadway star or creative.
Jocelyn Bioh
Connection
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
Video: SCHOOL GIRLS Is Finally in Session on Broadway- Inside Opening Night
by Sam Anctil - 2026-10-01 12:43:40
Exclusive: Watch a Scene from SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-09-27 10:49:26
Character Breakdown: The Cast of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Unpacks Their Roles
by Sam Anctil - 2026-09-07 12:00:10
Meet Broadway’s New Mean Girls! Inside SCHOOL GIRLS with Its Cast and Creators
by Sam Anctil - 2026-08-19 10:44:52
Video: Whitney White Looks Back on the Life-Changing Experience of Bringing LIBERATION to Broadway
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2026-04-30 12:00:20
Video: Adrienne Warren, Kecia Lewis, and More Celebrate Sisterhood at Black Women on Broadway Awards
by Survival Jobs - 2025-06-20 15:34:26
Video: Amber Iman Performs 'Honey Sweet' In New GODDESS Music Video
by Michael Major - 2025-03-07 13:07:58
Video: Watch Amber Iman Sing 'Honey Sweet' From GODDESS Musical
by Michael Major - 2025-03-05 15:05:36
Video: Meet The Cast of JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING At Arena Stage
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-09-09 22:08:39
Video: Meet the Creators Behind the Tony-Nominated Shows of 2024
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-14 15:35:25
Photos & Video: The Museum of Broadway Celebrates JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2024-06-05 13:13:51
News
Lyric Hammersmith Theatre Reveals 2027 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026
Rachel O'Riordan's season includes productions directed by Rufus Norris, Sarah Frankcom, and others, featuring new adaptations and the return of Tony Award-winning JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 27, 2026
Rachel O'Riordan's season includes productions directed by Rufus Norris, Sarah Frankcom, and others, featuring new adaptations and the return of Tony Award-winning JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING.
Photos: Dramatists Guild Foundation Raises Over $1 Million at Annual Gala
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2026
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) raised $1,012,596 in gross contributions at its 2026 Gala, surpassing $1 million for the first time in the event’s history. Learn more and check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 26, 2026
The Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF) raised $1,012,596 in gross contributions at its 2026 Gala, surpassing $1 million for the first time in the event’s history. Learn more and check out photos here!
Interview: Heather Alicia Simms Finds Beauty Beyond the Surface in SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY
by David Clarke - Oct 24, 2026
Heather Alicia Simms discusses beauty, bullying, and breaking generational cycles in Broadway’s SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, and why bringing the production to streaming audiences matters.
by David Clarke - Oct 24, 2026
Heather Alicia Simms discusses beauty, bullying, and breaking generational cycles in Broadway’s SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, and why bringing the production to streaming audiences matters.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2026- Lea Michele Joins GLEE Reboot and More
by - Oct 22, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 22, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
ONE NIGHT ONLY: AN EVENING WITH DENÉE BENTON AND JORDAN DONICA is Coming to Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2026
Tony Award nominees Denée Benton and Jordan Donica, co-stars of HBO's THE GILDED AGE, will perform with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, featuring Broadway classics and selections from the HBO Original Soundtrack.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2026
Tony Award nominees Denée Benton and Jordan Donica, co-stars of HBO's THE GILDED AGE, will perform with The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, featuring Broadway classics and selections from the HBO Original Soundtrack.
SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY to Stream Final Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club will stream its Broadway production of Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play during its final performances, with high schools across the U.S. receiving free access to a recorded version.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 21, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club will stream its Broadway production of Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play during its final performances, with high schools across the U.S. receiving free access to a recorded version.
SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY to Collaborate with Smithsonian Museum
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club is launching a collaboration with its production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club is launching a collaboration with its production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Photos: Cynthia Nixon, Sterling K. Brown, Kerry Washington & More Visit SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 13, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, the production stars Denée Benton, Patina Miller and Jasmine Amy Rogers. Since the big night, the play has welcomed many celebrity guests, including Cynthia Nixon, Sterling K. Brown, Kerry Washington, and Billy Porter. Check out photos from backstage here.
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 13, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, the production stars Denée Benton, Patina Miller and Jasmine Amy Rogers. Since the big night, the play has welcomed many celebrity guests, including Cynthia Nixon, Sterling K. Brown, Kerry Washington, and Billy Porter. Check out photos from backstage here.
Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program Opens Applications for 7th Year
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Applications for The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program are now open. The seventh cycle of The CRR Scholarship Program will continue to distribute $100,000 amongst 10 recipients.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2026
Applications for The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program are now open. The seventh cycle of The CRR Scholarship Program will continue to distribute $100,000 amongst 10 recipients.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 6, 2026- Go Inside A FEW GOOD MEN with Michael Arden and More
by - Oct 6, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 6, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 6, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Celebrates at Opening Night Party
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 5, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night party here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 5, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos from the opening night party here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 2, 2026- Inside SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Opening Night and More
by - Oct 2, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 2, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Oct 2, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 2, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 1, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 1, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!
Photos: SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Celebrates Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 1, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, the production stars Denée Benton, Patina Miller and Jasmine Amy Rogers. Read the reviews for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play here and check out photos of the comapny as they celebrate the big night!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 1, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play opened on Broadway September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, the production stars Denée Benton, Patina Miller and Jasmine Amy Rogers. Read the reviews for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play here and check out photos of the comapny as they celebrate the big night!
Video: SCHOOL GIRLS Is Finally in Session on Broadway- Inside Opening Night
by Sam Anctil - Oct 1, 2026
Opening night has finally arrived for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play! Jocelyn Bioh’s acclaimed comedy has arrived on Broadway, opening at Manhattan Theatre Club under the direction of Whitney White. BroadwayWorld was on the scene to celebrate with Bioh, White, and the company, who reflected on the long journey that brought the play to Broadway. Watch the video to hear more from Bioh, White, and the company of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play on opening night.
by Sam Anctil - Oct 1, 2026
Opening night has finally arrived for School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play! Jocelyn Bioh’s acclaimed comedy has arrived on Broadway, opening at Manhattan Theatre Club under the direction of Whitney White. BroadwayWorld was on the scene to celebrate with Bioh, White, and the company, who reflected on the long journey that brought the play to Broadway. Watch the video to hear more from Bioh, White, and the company of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play on opening night.
JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Will Return to Lyric Hammersmith
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
The Tony Award-winning play by Jocelyn Bioh returns to London's Lyric Hammersmith Theatre following its critically acclaimed UK premiere. Learn more here.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2026
The Tony Award-winning play by Jocelyn Bioh returns to London's Lyric Hammersmith Theatre following its critically acclaimed UK premiere. Learn more here.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 30, 2026- Duncan Sheik's MEMOIRS OF AMOROUS GENTLEMEN First Look and More
by - Sep 30, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 30, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Sep 30, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 30, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Extends Broadway Run By Two Weeks
by Stephi Wild - Sep 29, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, will extend its run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre following opening night critical acclaim.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 29, 2026
Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY, written by Jocelyn Bioh and directed by Whitney White, will extend its run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre following opening night critical acclaim.
Review Roundup: SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY Opens on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 28, 2026
Read reviews of the Broadway production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, now open at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 28, 2026
Read reviews of the Broadway production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, now open at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Exclusive: Watch a Scene from SCHOOL GIRLS; OR, THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 27, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, is getting ready to open on Broadway! Ahead on opening night, September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, BroadwayWorld is very excited to bring you an exclusive scene from the play!
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 27, 2026
Jocelyn Bioh's School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Whitney White, is getting ready to open on Broadway! Ahead on opening night, September 28 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, BroadwayWorld is very excited to bring you an exclusive scene from the play!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Jocelyn Bioh been in?
Jocelyn Bioh has appeared on Broadway in 2 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 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 the same production, 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).
Podcasts
BUG Takes Over Broadway — Live from the Manhattan Theatre Club Red Carpet!
The Roundtable with Robert Bannon comes to you straight from the electric opening night red carpet of Bug at Manhattan Theatre Club, where Broadway, film, and TV royalty showed up in force.
Ep. 188- Opening Night of "Patriots" with Michael Stuhlbarg & Will Keen!
In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, the new Russia belongs to its oligarchs—and no one is more powerful than billionaire Boris Berezovsky. When an eventual successor to President Boris Yeltsin is needed, Berezovsky turns to the little-known deputy mayor of St.
The stars were OUT at the MTC's Long Anticipated Opening of "Jaja's African Hair Braiding! We had a chance to chat with all the stars and the creative team at the show. We have writer Jocelyn Bioh with us talking her Broadway Playwright Debut!
Ep. 38: Reopening Shakespeare in the Park (Ft. Jocelyn Bioh & Saheem Ali)
In this episode Jose speaks to playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Saheem Ali, who star in the documentary "Reopening Night" (available on HBOMax from Dec. 20). The film by Rudy Valdez follows the talented troupe led by Bioh and Ali who brought back Shakespeare in the Park following the Covid-19 theater shutdown.
The 'Playwriting Sisters' Bringing Shows Back After the Shutdown
Playwrights Jocelyn Bioh ("Nollywood Dreams") and Martyna Majok ("Sanctuary City") discuss returning, 18 months later, to plays the pandemic had paused.
Episode 6: Jocelyn Bioh: Truth Is In The Humor
On this episode, we chat with actress and playwright Jocelyn Bioh, whose play, “School Girls, Or the African Mean Girls Play”, is currently running off-Broadway. We discuss her brilliant play, colorism, taking chances, working the “Shrek” lottery, and reality television.
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