BRIEF BIO

Shakina is a Critics’ Choice Award-winning performer, director, writer, producer, and transgender activist whose groundbreaking career has encompassed theater, film, television, and music.

She made history as the first trans person to be cast in a series regular role on a network comedy in NBC’s Connecting…, and is widely acclaimed for her breakout portrayal of Lola in Hulu’s cult-hit comedy series Difficult People, and as the musical Maura on Amazon’s Emmy Award–winning Transparent—writing, producing, and guest starring in the show's "Musicale Finale." She can also be seen in Julio Torrez’s surrealist comedy Problemista (A24), and as the voice of Hana in the English remaster of Satoshi Kon’s anime classic, Tokyo Godfathers (GKids).

Shakina was recognized with a special Critics' Choice Award for her writing and directing on NBC's Quantum Leap. As the Founding Artistic Director of Musical Theatre Factory, she helped develop hundreds of new musicals, including the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning A Strange Loop, and her own autobiographical glam-rock odyssey, Manifest Pussy. As a lyricist, her musical adaptation of Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean will be premiering Off-Broadway at Classic Stage Company next season.  Her play Chonburi International Hotel and Butterfly Club premiered on Audible in collaboration with Williamstown Theatre Festival, winning the Drama League Award for Best Audio Theater Production.

Further recognitions include The Lilly Award for Working Miracles, Theatre Resources Unlimited Humanitarian Award, The Kilroys List, Logo 30, and two-time Drama League fellow and two-time OUT 100 honoree. More at www.Shakina.nyc