Sean Barnett is a director, writer, actor, & comedian based in New York City & Southern California, centering joy and embracing sincerity. An energetic fanboy at heart, he is fascinated by how the funny, silly, and absurd often reveal the most honest parts of our humanity. In every process, Barnett aims to create an environment of “focused fun”, filled with laughter and levity, whilst remaining rigorously attentive to the story being told. He hopes that his joyous, community-based leadership style encourages both his collaborators and audience to tap into their inner 8-year-old.

In May 2026, Barnett will graduate with his BFA in Directing from Carnegie Mellon University’s John Wells Directing Program. Recently, he directed his thesis production,  MATT & BEN, by Mindy Kaling & Brenda Withers, a comedy exploring long-term friendship and the challenges of creative collaboration. Barnett also develops new works, including DYIN’ SLOW: A NEW PIRATE MUSICAL and THERE GOES THE BRIDE (which will be presented as a staged concert reading at the New Hazlett Theater in January 2026!)

Barnett writes