Nia Vardalos is a writer, actor and director for screen and stage, Vardalos wrote and starred in the hit film My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and its sequel, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, and an Independent Spirit and People’s Choice Award. Stage credits include Jennie in Theatre20’s Company, directed by Gary Griffin, and writer and actor for twelve Chicago The Second City’s revues (Jeff Award winner). Additional writing and acting film and television credits include “Connie and Carla”, “I Hate Valentine’s Day”, “My Life in Ruins”, “For a Good Time, Call …”, “Graves”, “The Catch”, “Jane the Virgin”, and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”. She is the author of Instant Mom, the story of adopting her daughter from foster care.