Director - Choreographer - Performer - Playwright
who's that girl...
it's Nikki Mirza!
I am a South Asian American director, choreographer, performer, playwright, and educator based in D.C. (by way of sunny Southern California).
Whether I’m staging a musical or developing a new play, physicality is my language. Every gesture, breath, and beat is rooted in storytelling. My work explores the intersection of form and content in bold, embodied ways, and I’m especially drawn to stories that center women as full, complex beings across cultures and generations.
In the room, it is my priority to build joyful, respectful spaces where collaboration can thrive. We’re making theatre, so let’s leave the “tension” in the dance moves.
Want to chat more? I’m always up for a conversation over tea or ice cream.
The Scoop
DIRECTOR
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
at Imagination Stage
" Nikki Mirza’s magnificent direction vividly personified (Eric) Carle’s works, and her immersive staging creatively brought the story into the crowd. This presentation was warmly received by the audience, who energetically reacted "
- DC Theater Arts
Constellations
at Constellation Theatre Company
" Directorial talent Nikki Mirza has shown a deft touch in a character play that requires great nuance to be effective. " - BWW
CHOREOGRAPHER
Dance Nation
at Olney Theatre Center
"...vivid performances and Nikki Mirza’s pitch-perfect choreography sweep the show along...Pivotal throughout is Mirza's choreography for the audition and competition scenes: deliberately garish moves, joltingly grafted together."
- The Washington Post
King John
at Shakespeare Theatre Co Academy
" Choreographer Nikki Mirza's work is astonishingly compelling, and fits in beautifully with the music. "
- DC Theater Arts
Desperate Measures
at Constellation Theatre Company
"Nikki Mirza’s choreography is crisp and effective." - MD Theatre Guide
WRITER
this play isn't about brian
at The Kennedy Center
" Promising writer-generated readings include this play isn't about brian, a semi-biographical show by Nikki Mirza, a multi-hyphenate artist wrapping up a star turn as Cynthia Weil in Olney Theatre Center's production of Beautiful. " - Washington City Paper
PERFORMER
Beautiful
at Olney Theatre Center
" A spunky Nikki Mirza with a killer voice...I leaned a little in my seat each time (Mirza and McCullough) were onstage. " - DC Theater Arts
"From the moment Mirza walks on stage to boldly demand a live audition, we are enthralled by her performance and thrilling voice."
- Maryland Theatre Guide
