Israeli Actress Ariel Shenhav Eyes Broadway After Los Angeles Studies

Israeli actress Ariel Shenhav, 25, is setting her sights on an international career, with Broadway as her ultimate goal. Having already appeared in Israeli series like "Neaps" and "Tagad," Shenhav recently completed studies at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles. She is currently auditioning in both Israel and Los Angeles and is also working as an assistant casting director for Galit Rosenstein, whom she praises as "the best casting director with a huge heart."

Shenhav, originally from Haifa, stated that acting has been a lifelong passion, inspired by her parents who met in entertainment and her father's unfulfilled dream of becoming an actor. She recalls early performances in school plays, including a lead role as Peter Pan, and began her professional acting career at 17 with a small part in the hit series "Tagad."

After serving in the IDF as a driver instructor, Shenhav worked at a summer camp in Brooklyn, New York, managing its theater department. This experience solidified her decision to pursue her acting dreams, leading her to enroll at the Lee Strasberg Institute in Los Angeles in September 2024. She noted that her decision came during a period of rising antisemitism in the US, but her mother's encouragement to "never give up on dreams" empowered her.

During her studies, Shenhav won first place twice in a Lee Strasberg lip-sync competition and participated in a production of "The Seagull." She navigated challenges such as mastering professional jargon and cultural differences, particularly the directness of Israelis compared to the more reserved American communication style. She also co-wrote a short film, "NO(v)a & LIA," about the October 7th Nova festival tragedy, which was accepted into a Lee Strasberg film festival. Shenhav aimed to convey the Israeli experience to her American peers, noting the powerful impact the film had on the audience.

Looking ahead, Shenhav is awaiting the release of international and local productions she has acted in, including "The Five Kings," "Book of Joshua," and "The Hanging Tree." Beyond acting, she aspires to become a screenwriter and producer, with a personal film project in development. She reiterates that Broadway remains her "big dream," alongside film, and emphasizes her commitment to working hard and succeeding in the industry, honoring her father's memory and her mother's unwavering support.