Shaun wrote a play that was produced Off-Broadway @ The Public Theater when he was 19.

He graduated from New York University with a BFA in Dramatic Writing 3 years later. Despite another Off-Broadway production, Shaun became dismayed with the representation of Black stories and characters in the American theater.

Shaun started producing & marketing his own work to build an artistic community and ecosystem he couldn’t find in commercial theater.

He is most revered for writing plays that value the layers of hip-hop culture. Plays from Shaun’s “7 Homages for 7 MCs” , a suite of original plays that originate from the spirit of classic hip-hop albums have been presented throughout the nation.

In 2010 Shaun founded Changing Perceptions, an education and independent theater production company.

Changing Perceptions Theater (CPT) has produced original dramatic works by over 50 emerging BIPOC writers. The company is also known for introducing the performing arts to youth in schools and on parole throughout New York City and Newark, NJ.

In 2021 Shaun opened Bed-Stuy Art House, a centralized space for independent creatives to showcase their work.

Bed-Stuy Art House is dedicated to supporting independent go-getters in any stage of their journey; by offering affordable, no-frills space in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. In its first year, 37 artists produced their own first-ever solo exhibitions in our 650-square foot space.

Bio

Shaun Neblett, a Brooklyn-based playwright and theater producer, began crafting plays in high school under the mentorship of celebrated author and activist Kabu Okai-Davies. His talent blossomed quickly, with his play "This is About a Boy’s Fears" debuting Off-Broadway at the Joseph Papp Public Theater when he was just 19, receiving attention from notable publications like the Village Voice, the New York Times, and Time Out NY.

In 2010, Shaun founded Changing Perceptions Theater, driven by a passion to elevate BIPOC voices in the theater world. Through this platform, he has produced impactful plays Off-Broadway and in key spaces for Black empowerment, such as The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and Weeksville Heritage Center.

Shaun's creativity took a unique turn in 2013 with "7 Homages for 7 MCs," a series of plays inspired by classic hip-hop albums. This innovative project has garnered acclaim from scholars and musicians alike, honoring the spirit and influence of iconic artists like Nas and The Notorious B.I.G.

Notably, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson praised Shaun's play "Homage 3: Illmatic," describing it as "A great play that evokes a sense of history and intimacy with people who nurture you, surround you, and are a mystery to you." This acknowledgment underscores Shaun Neblett's profound commitment to storytelling, community, and the transformative power of the arts.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Shaun is deeply committed to community engagement. For over a decade, he has led arts-based programs across New York City and Newark, NJ, introducing theater arts to BIPOC youth in schools and community centers, nurturing talent and fostering creativity.

In 2021, Shaun expanded his impact by launching Bed-Stuy Art House, a hub supporting independent creatives in Brooklyn. This inclusive space empowered numerous artists to showcase their work, reflecting Shaun’s dedication to cultivating artistic expression and creating meaningful opportunities for underrepresented voices. Through programs he designed and managed, Shaun successfully brought new audiences to the theater, particularly young adults aged 18–35 who often feel excluded from traditional spaces. His innovative approach to curating dynamic programs demonstrated his ability to foster inclusive environments that prioritize BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities, aligning with a vision of accessibility and representation.

Shaun Neblett’s career exemplifies a unique ability to bridge storytelling, community building, and the transformative power of the arts. His work continues to captivate audiences and inspire emerging artists, showcasing a talent for developing partnerships, stewarding projects, and designing programming that resonates deeply across diverse communities. Shaun’s commitment to serving artists and audiences alike positions him as a leader capable of shaping ambitious, forward-thinking visions for the arts while honoring the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.