Get Ready With Playwright Jocelyn Bioh For The Broadway Debut Of ‘School Girls’

Playwright Jocelyn Bioh is slowly building her own world. One where Black women, and the diversity of the African experience, are represented on stage.

After her first successful Broadway run, for her play JaJa’s African Hair Braiding, in 2023, earlier this week, the artist debuted her second Broadway act: School Girls: Or, The African Mean Girls Play. “I’m really excited that School Girls is finally on Broadway! This play changed my life as a writer when it opened Off Broadway nearly a decade ago,” Bioh shares with ESSENCE following Monday’s red carpet debut. “The play has had so many productions at regional theatres, colleges, high schools and still the one stage it’s never been on is Broadway, so I’m just thrilled to share that moment with my friends and family,” she continues.

The monumental occasion, of course, meant a look fit for a queen. Naturally, “the inspiration behind my look was to feel like an African jewel,” she shares. “My awesome stylist,” Tyler Okuns, “and the incredible designer we worked with,” Ditjona, “talked a lot about jewel tones and royal blue was a color we all gravitated towards,” she adds. “Ditjona and Tyler collaborated on the concept of the dress and all of a sudden, this beautiful design came to life.”

Okuns shares the same sentiments. “We found that blue and, *chefs kiss,* I knew it would be perfect! We also knew the beginning of the play started with a beauty pageant. So we thought ok, ‘Drama! Elegance!’”

When it came to the accessories, Okuns took a balanced approach with rings and earrings. “Overaccessorizing is great sometimes, but with the dress being such a beautiful cobalt blue, I wanted that to be the focus,” she says.

And her beauty look was equally as regal, and paired perfectly with the dress. “We were very much on the same page,” Okuns says, in terms of collaborating with the makeup artist, Takida. “We talked about highlighting her amazing cheekbones—and the blush was the way to go.” Meanwhile, “my hair was styled in some lush, but simple boho style braids,” Bioh says. “It all came together so beautifully.”

Beyond the beauty prep, setting the vibes for this moment was also important. “I love getting ready to a good playlist. Music sets the world back on its axis, in my opinion, so I have tons of playlists for every mood,” Bioh shares. That said, on Monday, “we were vibing to ‘80s music and Afrobeats hits,” she adds. Additionally, staying hydrated and having a good meal are top priorities, too. “The rest of the day was so busy, so I didn’t want to worry about being hungry and dehydrated.”

For Okuns, moments like these are incredibly special, too. “I love when we put on the final look and I get to see my client’s face brighten up from the excitement and joy,” she shares. “And getting to work together for such a full circle beautiful moment for her made me so happy,” Okuns shares, before adding how important it is to build trust with her clients.

It makes it easy to do so, given that Bioh is, as Okuns states, “so easy going, kind, and collaborative.” For Okuns, “working with her makes me feel truly connected to working in my purpose,” she says. “She finds a way to connect with all of us through the dedication and messaging she brings to her work.”

And, speaking of her incredible work, up next, Bioh is excited about the new chapter this play will bring her. And, admittedly, she is a little nervous, as she’ll be filling the role of Eloise Amponsah, usually played by actress Patina Miller, for an upcoming weekend of School Girls shows. “But, I’m thrilled to be back on stage again and in such a glamorous role. I’ve got big heels to fill!”

And, whether she’s on stage or creating roles and characters for those who are, Bioh stays grounded by remaining connected to her loved ones. “10 years ago, all of my friends, my (then boyfriend, now) husband, and my agents were there with me when this play premiered Off Broadway,” she shares. “So it’s very special that the exact same crew celebrated with me on Opening Night on Broadway. We’ve all been on this journey together and that really fills my heart.”

Below, take a behind the scenes look at how Bioh got ready for her major Broadway moment.