About Marissa…

Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American, queer artist and advocate based in New York City. As an actor and singer, she has worked opposite Tony, Emmy and Oscar winners and nominees and appeared Off-Broadway (MTC, PRTT), on television (CBS, NBC) and in film (Paramount). As a producer, her work has premiered at Sundance, had a theatrical release and a BAFTA nomination. As an advocate, Marissa is the Founder of the nonprofit Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment) which has partnered with Fortune 4 company CVS’ Aetna. She is also a national public speaker (Amen Clinic, NYU) and trauma-informed coach, specializing in working with artists. Additionally, she is a Founding Company Member of the theatre and film company Divine Riot.

Recently, Marissa performed Off-Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Creative Center in Green: The Musical and won CreateTheater New Works Festival’s 2025 award for Best Supporting Actress In A Musical. Up next, The Knock Shadow, a short film Marissa acted in and produced alongside Emmy Winner Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black), which was written by Ren Dara Santiago (Showtime’s Let the Right One In), will be in the festival circuit. Currently, Marissa is acting in and producing a new play, The Big Bad, also written by Santiago, and directed by Mack Brown, which will have its debut workshop production in May of 2026.

Marissa is especially interested in developing new work, art with social impact and telling Middle Eastern and queer stories. She is enthusiastic about meditation, mindfulness, neuroscience, manifestation and wellness. She is a vegan and a cat parent to Sebastian and Viola. Marissa is always grateful to connect with like-minded creatives. Instagram handles: @marissaghavami @healingtreeorg @adivineriot