Abi Sanie
About the Artist
Abi Sanie (she/they) is a director, stage manager, intimacy director, educator, and theatre maker based in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal. A graduate of Concordia University’s Theatre program with a specialization in Performance Creation, Abi’s work explores queerness, protest, love, and liberation. Their artistry is deeply influenced by their Moroccan Jewish heritage and experience as a first generation American artist. Abi’s current practice is centered on a long term exploration of the intersections of discipline and care in the theatre process, which she approaches from her multidisciplinary artistic perspectives. She is the Artistic Director of Dense and Stage Theatre in Montréal, a queer and neurodivergent artist collective currently wrapping up its third season of independently produced work by and for emerging artists in the city. A proud Puppeteer with Bread and Puppet Theater, Montreal English Theatre Awards Jury Liaison, and Directors Lab North alum, Abi is dedicated to fostering artistic expression and joy in her community. She also loves to cook and create fusion recipes, salsa dance in the park, and travel. Visit abisanie.com for more.
Testimonials
"Abi is an incredibly smart director and encourages their actors to be smart as well. Abi’s understanding and vision of the show that they are creating goes far beyond what is expected, they become the master of the piece and develop brilliantly insightful ways to take it in new directions. This complete comprehension of their vision enables Abi to be refreshingly prepared and decisive while still open and accepting of any ideas others are willing to share. Abi maintains a distinct calmness backstage that is incredibly comforting to their cast and crew. They understand the stakes of the show and the importance of it running smoothly but continue to prioritize the well-being of their cast and crew above all."
- Kit Carleton, Actor
"Perhaps the most admirable quality that Abi possesses as a director is her ability to create a safe working environment where every artist feels welcome to share their talents. She is able to lead fearlessly, yet empathetically. She has always been able to create wonderful art no matter the space she is working in, or the budget that she is handed. She recognizes that the magic of theatre comes from the shared energy and love amongst the company of artists she is working with."
- Aren Duffy, Actor and Director
"She is beyond her years in professionalism, vision and talent. I cannot recommend her with enough enthusiasm. I cannot speak highly enough of her work ethic and I cannot praise her enough for her ability to work within a team toward solutions. Stated simply, she is a phenom."
- Ryk Lewis, Director