ABOUT MARISSA

Marissa Ghavami (she/they) is an Iranian-American artist and advocate based in New York City.

As an actor and singer, she has performed alongside Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners, working professionally since she was a child. She enjoys playing across mediums, having appeared in film (Paramount, Amazon), on television (CBS, NBC) and in theatre (MTC’s Creative Center, Pregones/PRTT Off-Broadway).

Recently, Marissa performed 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. In the Spring of 2026, she acted in and produced the debut workshop production of a new play, The Big Bad, written by Lanford Wilson Award Winner and Showtime series staff writer Ren Dara Santiago. The Big Bad was developed with and directed by Mack Brown (Lead Facilitator of the Roundabout Directors Group, Ars Nova Artist in Residence).

Up next, she has a co-star on a Network TV show (stay tuned for details!) Additionally, The Knock Shadow, a short film Marissa acted in and produced alongside two-time Emmy Winner Lea DeLaria (Orange Is The New Black), which was also written by Santiago, will be in the festival circuit.

As a producer, Marissa’s work has premiered at Sundance, had a theatrical release and a BAFTA nomination.

Additionally, Marissa has done voice over, commercial and print for such widely known brands as Audible, McDonald’s, Ford, JCPenney, Girl Scout Cookies and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Marissa studied acting under the legendary Bill Esper at The William Esper Studio. She continued her training with Karl Bury and has taken master classes with the renowned Larry Moss and Bob Krakower. She studied singing with the acclaimed Seth Riggs, Liz Caplan, Mike Ruckles and, currently, with Katy Pfaffl.

Marissa is also the founder of the nonprofit Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment). During her time as Executive + Artistic Director, she led Healing TREE to collaborate with several of the world’s leading trauma experts and internationally renowned artists as well as to partner with Fortune 5 company CVS’ Aetna.

Additionally, she is a national public speaker (Amen Clinic, NYU, Rattlestick Theater) and trauma-informed coach for artists.

Marissa is especially interested in developing new work, art with social impact and telling Middle Eastern and queer stories. She is an avid meditator, a vegan and a cat mom to her two rescues, Sebastian and Viola. Marissa is always grateful to connect with like-minded creatives. Instagram: @marissaghavami