Yao Dogbe is a 2025 Helen Hayes Award winner for OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMER IN A PLAY. He is a DC based theatre actor who is currently working to build a strong arts community here in Dc between artists & theatre administration.
A Chicago 2022 Black Theatre Alliance nominee, Yao is a first generation Ghanaian American. He is a classically trained actor who strives to create the classics of the future.
Yao isn't only an actor, but is also an up-and-coming- playwright and director. "Giving original stories a standing ovation"; Yao is an advocate for African authenticity both dialectally & culturally on the stage, in film, and television.
SAFD certified in Hand to Hand combat, single sword/broad sword/rapier & dagger.
Selected theatre credits include; REGIONAL: TOPDOG UNDERDOG; RoundHouse Theatre, RICHARD III; Chicago Shakespeare Theater, KING LEAR; Shakespeare Theatre company, ROUTES; Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, NOLLYWOOD DREAMS, OHIO STATE MURDERS, & HOMEBOUND; RoundHouse Theatre, INTIMATE APPAREL; Northlight Theatre, FLY; Capital Repertory Theatre, CYMBELINE; Utah Shakespeare Festival
Listed from left to right below:
Yao as James in JAJA’s African Hair Braiding at Arena Stage Company (2024)
Yao as Booth in TopDog UnderDog at RoundHouse Theatre (2024)
Yao as Cornwall in King Lear at Shakespeare Theatre Company (2023)
Yao as Gbenga Ezie in Nollywood Dreams at RoundHouse Theatre (2022)
Yao as Cory in Fences at American Players Theater (2019)
