Shaina Taub

Shaina Taub is a songwriter, performer, and artist-in-residence at New York City's Public Theater, recognized for her work at the intersection of musical theater, pop songwriting, and social activism. A two-time Tony Award winner, Obie Award winner, and Grammy and Emmy Award nominee, Taub has contributed significantly to contemporary musical theater. With the Broadway production of her original musical "Suffs," Taub became the first woman to win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score as a solo creator.

Taub wrote the music, lyrics, and book for "Suffs," a musical that explores the women's suffrage movement and features her in the central role of Alice Paul. The show premiered in a sold-out run at the Public Theater, later moving to the Music Box Theatre on Broadway, where it was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. "Suffs" also received Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Book, Best Score, and Best Musical, as well as a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music. The production has toured nationally and was filmed for PBS Great Performances.

Prior to "Suffs," Taub developed a reputation as a versatile theater artist. She created and starred in musical adaptations of "Twelfth Night" and "As You Like It" at Free Shakespeare in the Park, with subsequent productions at National Theatre, the Young Vic, and numerous other venues worldwide. Taub's Off-Broadway performances include roles in "Hadestown," "Great Comet" (earning a Lortel nomination), and "Old Hats," which featured her original songs. Her television songwriting credits include "Sesame Street," "Central Park," "Julie's Greenroom" starring Julie Andrews, and the Emmy-nominated opening number for the Tony Awards, co-written with Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban. Her songs have been performed by artists such as Audra McDonald and Sutton Foster.

As a solo recording artist, Taub debuted with the album "Visitors" and performed at Lincoln Center as part of the American Songbook series. She later signed with Atlantic Records and released "Songs of the Great Hill." Taub also wrote lyrics for "The Devil Wears Prada" with Elton John, which opened in the West End. She has portrayed Emma Goldman in New York City Center's "Ragtime" and was announced to reprise the role on Broadway.

Taub's honors include the ASCAP Richard Rodgers Award, Jonathan Larson Grant, Kleban Prize, and Fred Ebb Award. She has received the Workers Circle Activism Award, the League of Women Voters' Tribute Award, and the NYCLU's Michael Friedman Freedom Award, where she co-chairs the Artist Ambassadors program. Taub holds an honorary doctorate from Manhattan School of Music. Through her work in musical theater and advocacy, Taub demonstrates the connection between art and activism.