Michael Shayan (he/him/his)

Michael Shayan is an Emmy Award-nominated Iranian-American writer, performer and illusionist from “Tehran-geles,” CA. Out Magazine recognized him on the OUT100 list of the “most impactful and influential LGBTQ+ people." His solo play, Avaaz, world premiered at South Coast Repertory, directed by Tony-nominee Moritz von Stuelpnagel with a Tony and Emmy-winning team. The play will receive its East Coast premiere at The Olney in March 2024, ahead of a national tour. His plays have been produced & developed by Audible, The Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, La MaMa, New York Stage & Film, Ojai Playwrights Conference, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Theatre Aspen and The Lark, among others. Fellowships include the Sundance Institute, Sun Valley Writers Conference, and Lambda Literary. He was a writer & Consulting Producer on the Emmy-winning "The Book of Queer." At 13, he was the youngest performer in the history of the Magic Castle. BA: Harvard College. MFA: Playwriting, Brooklyn College.