Stephanie Weeks is a highly acclaimed and accomplished actor and director, whose remarkable talent and unrelenting passion for her work have earned her widespread recognition and admiration. Known affectionately as "Luminous" by the esteemed New York Times, in recognition of her exceptional performance in the critically acclaimed production of "As Yet Thou Art Young and Rash", Weeks has had the privilege of taking to the stages of some of the world's most prestigious and revered theaters, including the iconic Lincoln Center, the innovative Playwrights Horizons, the avant-garde Soho Rep, and the renowned La Jolla Playhouse, to name just a few.
Noted for her extraordinary CV, which proudly showcases an array of prestigious accolades, she has had the distinction of receiving the OBIE Award, a prestigious honor that acknowledges outstanding artistic achievement and dedication to excellence in the theater, specifically as an Associate Artist with the esteemed Target Margin Theater. This remarkable recognition serves as a testament to her unwavering passion, unrelenting drive, and unshakeable commitment to her craft, a true reflection of her tireless efforts to hone her skills and push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Stephanie has an impressive array of film credits to her name, with a particularly notable role in the official selection of the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. This distinguished honor was bestowed upon her for her outstanding performance in the critically acclaimed film "Confessionsofa Ex-Doofus-ItchyFooted-Mutha", a project directed by the renowned and highly respected Melvin Van Peebles.
In addition to her impressive film work, Stephanie has also made a significant impact in the world of television. She has starred in a number of notable series, including the popular Netflix production "Tales of The City", where she shared the screen with the talented and accomplished Laura Linney. Furthermore, she has also had a starring role in the CBS series "The Good Fight", solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.
Stephanie's illustrious career as a director has seen her take the reins on a diverse range of productions, each one showcasing her remarkable skill and dedication to her craft.
One of the most notable examples of her work is her direction of Danai Gurira's powerful play "Eclipsed" at the University of Utah. This production received widespread acclaim, earning the prestigious Outstanding Performance and Production Ensemble award from the Kennedy Center's Festivention Series.
In addition to her work on "Eclipsed", Stephanie has also had the opportunity to direct other notable productions, including "After Midnight" for the Target Margin Yiddish Theater Lab. This production was a unique and innovative exploration of the intersection of Yiddish culture and American musical theater.
Another highlight of Stephanie's career is her direction of Sophie Treadwell's groundbreaking play "Machinal" at New York University. This production was a thought-provoking exploration of the themes of identity, society, and the human condition, and it showcased Stephanie's ability to bring complex and challenging material to life on stage.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in theater, and her work continues to be celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and emotional resonance.
Stephanie's academic credentials are truly remarkable, boasting a Master of Fine Arts degree earned from the prestigious American Conservatory Theater, a renowned institution situated in the vibrant city of San Francisco, California. Furthermore, she has also acquired a certificate of study from the esteemed London Academy of Music and Drama, a leading international center for the performing arts, located in the heart of London, England.
Stephanie's life journey began in the vibrant and bustling Bronx, where the warm sunshine and rich cultural heritage of her community played a significant role in shaping her formative years. Her summers were filled with a sense of carefree joy, as she spent idyllic days in Costa Rica, surrounded by the vibrant rhythms of salsa music and the tantalizing aromas of salted mangoes and crispy patacones. It was during these sun-kissed afternoons that she developed a deep affection for the rich cultural traditions of her aunts and uncles, who taught her the importance of family, community, and the celebration of life's simple pleasures.
As she grew older, Stephanie's passion for music became increasingly evident, as she devoted herself to mastering the intricacies of the cello. Her dedication to this beautiful instrument was unwavering, and she continued to play throughout her elementary and high school years, honing her skills and developing a deep appreciation for the art of music. However, it was her audition for the iconic musical "Bye Bye Birdie" that ultimately led her to make a bold decision, as she was cast in the role of the effervescent and charming "Nancy". This pivotal moment marked a turning point in her life, as she bid farewell to her beloved cello and embarked on a new journey, one that would take her to the bright lights of the stage and the thrill of performing in front of a live audience. Despite the allure of this new path, Stephanie never lost her love for music, and the possibility of returning to her musical roots remained a tantalizing prospect, waiting to be explored in the future.
