Omar Okai
Director, Choreographer, Educator
Omar F. Okai is a London-based director and choreographer with over 30 years of experience in musical theatre and movement direction. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs), and has worked extensively in the UK, Europe, and Asia. His productions range from intimate studio works to large-scale musicals in the West End.
Omar began his career as a performer in shows such as Five Guys Named Moe and Sweet Charity, before moving into directing and choreographing full-time. His direction includes the OFFIE-shortlisted Enitan’s Game with Punchdrunk Enrichment and Pinocchio for Theatre Royal Stratford East’s 140th anniversary season. He was Associate Director on the West End production of Get Up, Stand Up!, and has reimagined shows such as Kinky Boots in concert at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
A committed educator and mentor, Omar has led programmes with the Royal Opera House, Trinity Laban, and Camden Roundhouse. As an educator, he has also worked at the major performing art schools, including Mountview, Urdang, and PPA. His work often focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and nurturing new talent. In both creative and leadership roles, he brings energy, clarity, and care to the rehearsal room.
His major works include: Pinocchio – Director, Enitan’s Game – Director, Get Up, Stand Up! – Associate Director, Kinky Boots Concert – Director, Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Resident/Associate Director, Five Guys Named Moe – Director/Choreographer, Cabaret - Choreographer, Rent - Choreographer, Honk! - Choreographer, Black British Theatre Awards - Co-Founder & Co-Director.
