The Artist’s Journey…

Zainab Bari (She/They) is a multi-hyphenate artist based in Chicago, NYC, and DC. Bari graduated from James Madison University with a BA in theatre, then went on to intern at festivals like the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Sundance Film Festival. Bari has worked professionally as an actor at the American Shakespeare Center and off-Broadway at the Second Stage Theater. They have worked behind the scenes on independent films such as For The Taking (2023 Virginia Film Festival Selection) and their debut short film, Phenomena. Bari takes after artists like Michaela Coel and Quinta Brunson, who create and/or collaborate on projects that are personal and important to them.

Bari’s work isn’t necessarily an answer to questions within the industry or the world today, but they hope it adds more depth to the important questions being asked and expands upon limited worldviews. Bari believes that art is one of the most enduring facets of humanity because it is one of the most important facets. All they can hope for is to be a part of the conversation.

Latest Activity

MUSE: The Women of Picasso

A Musical Workshop presentation. Concept, Music and Lyrics by Caitlin McKechney. Book by Zainab Bari.
"Forgotten as individuals and reconstructed in his shadow, eight muses of Pablo Picasso come to life in an exhibit dedicated to the tortured artist. There, the women break down their lives, their plans, their similarities and differences. As they navigate through the gray areas and abstractions, they begin to find their own voice and inspirations."

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Zainab Bari Signs with Grossman and Jack Talent

Adding Chicago to my roster of working cities, I am now available to work through my agents at GJT!

Check Them Out
Bari added to the cast of "Cold Spot"

I’m reuniting with award-winning horror director Bambi Quinn for their next short film, “Cold Spot”. Filming will take place in 2025.

MeatCam Productions
That's a wrap on "Phenomena!"

Principal photography on Phenomena is complete. I wrote, directed, and executive produced this short that was shot in Richmond, Virginia. We are so excited to finish the post-production process so that we can share what we’ve made with the world!

Get Updates Here!
Zainab Bari directs "Ordinary Days" in D.C.

My directorial debut began with my first love, musical theatre. I had the pleasure of working with Chameleon Collective to direct the full length musical, Ordinary Days, for two different venues in the DMV.

Ordinary Days