About Ilana R. Wieder – Author, Playwright, Director.

Ilana brings her professional experience as an actress and director to write (and direct) children’s plays and children’s books. Ilana wrote and performed in her own one-woman show based on her experience traveling abroad. Currently, she is working on a middle grade novel and several picture book projects. Her debut picture book is due to release on September 9, 2025

In her writing, Ilana focuses on social/emotional stories with heart, fish out of water stories, self discovery stories and, of course, family stories with lovable pets. She also writes stories with Jewish values and Jewish joy.

She worked as a motion capture actress where she played roles such as Yasmin in  “BRATZ” and Strawberry Shortcake in the hit television series by the same name.

More recently, she’s been writing original plays and directing youth theatre in several productions. Her play, Through A Magical Forest, was featured in the play festival of AATE. Her plays, “Mordechai on the Roof” and “Esther, the Dancing Queen” were just two of the original Purim spoofs to have received rave reviews. Her stories are featured in SCBWI regional newsletters and Highlights-High Five magazines.

Besides writing and directing, she teaches theater, yoga and Hebrew to students of all ages. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, painting and making jewelry. What brings her most joy is spending time with her family and adorable little dog.