Hey, I’m Sehar!
Photo: Aquil Virani
I’m a seasoned improvisor turned professional actor, writer and instructor. Originally from Nairobi Kenya, I’ve found my home in Montreal, Quebec.
I embrace my identity as a multi-hyphenate, an introvert, an immigrant, and a highly-sensitive, creative individual.
These qualities have shaped and strengthened how I navigate life, relationships and challenges both on- and off-stage (and screen), through my written work, professional endeavours and within the teaching space.
I think the world often dictates “right” and “wrong” ways to get out there, be a grown-up and make a life for yourself. And for a very long time I adhered to these societal “shoulds,” which ultimately left me feeling despondent, burnt out, disconnected and uninspired. Now, I continue to build an artistically-fulfilling existence and help others interrupt the monotony of their day-to-day with disruptive spontaneity.
We don’t play enough.
My Why
We’ve all got a unique, eccentric, emotional, and fearless side, often shrouded in self-judgement and self-consciousness. Many of us, including myself, weren't encouraged to explore or embrace this aspect of ourselves - or needed permission to. However, expressing it can unlock even more untapped creativity and value, than when we resist our own nature.
Feeling the doubt (from ourselves and others) anyways and claiming our originality is the starting point for confidence, connection, self-awareness and innovation!
Media and Event bios
Main Bio (193 words)
Born and raised in Nairobi, Sehar Manji is a Montreal-based actor, improvisor, instructor, writer and sketch comedian. She began improvising with Montreal Improv in 2010 and continues to perform and teach there. Sehar was among the first few women of colour improvisors – and the first South-Asian improvisor – on Montreal stages for several years, appearing in various local festivals (MPROV, Montreal Sketchfest, Ladyfest, Montreal Fringe, Just For Laughs/OFF-JFL, POP Montreal) as well as festivals in Toronto (The Big City Improv Festival and JFL42), New York (The Del Close Marathon) and was a part of the International Ensemble at the Vancouver International Improv Festival (VIIF), three years in a row. In 2018, Sehar was part of CBC's Kim's Convenience Emerging Writers' Room workshop, working alongside showrunners, Ins Choi and Kevin White. Her on-screen credits include guest roles on NBC's "Transplant" and "Pillow Talk" (Crave), and commercials for Fizz Mobile, Beneva, and Lactantia. She’s had the chance to work with award-winning directors such as Chloe Robichaud, Vincent Peone, François Jaros and Jean-François Asselin. More recently, Sehar made her professional theatre and Centaur debut in the comedy, “The Rishta” (by Uzma Jalaluddin) at Centaur Theatre in Montreal.
Short Bio (100 words)
Born and raised in Nairobi, Sehar Manji is a Montreal-based actor, improvisor, instructor, writer and sketch comedian. She has appeared at various local improv and sketch festivals and has also performed in Toronto, New York and Vancouver. In 2018, Sehar was part of CBC's Kim's Convenience Emerging Writers' Room workshop, working alongside showrunners, Ins Choi and Kevin White. Her on-screen credits include guest roles on NBC's "Transplant" and "Pillow Talk" (Crave), and commercials for Fizz Mobile, Beneva, and Lactantia. More recently, Sehar made her professional theatre debut in the comedy, “The Rishta” (by Uzma Jalaluddin) at Centaur Theatre in Montreal.