Susan Sandler

Susan Sandler is an American playwright, screenwriter, and educator best known for her heartfelt and character-driven work that explores themes of love, family, identity, and cultural tradition. Her writing is celebrated for its emotional authenticity, rich dialogue, and ability to balance humor with poignant drama.

Sandler gained national acclaim for her play Crossing Delancey, which premiered Off-Broadway and was later adapted into a successful 1988 film directed by Joan Micklin Silver and starring Amy Irving and Peter Riegert. Sandler wrote the screenplay herself, preserving the charm and intimacy of the original stage production. The romantic comedy, centered on a modern Jewish woman torn between career ambitions and traditional matchmaking, resonated with audiences and critics alike, becoming a beloved classic.

In addition to Crossing Delancey, Sandler has written numerous plays and screenplays, including Under the Bed, The Moaner, and The Renovation. Her work often focuses on complex female protagonists and intergenerational relationships, with a keen eye for the cultural nuances that shape personal identity.

Sandler has also made significant contributions as an educator. She is a long-standing faculty member at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she teaches screenwriting and mentors emerging writers. Her guidance has helped shape the voices of countless young storytellers in theatre and film.

Through her thoughtful storytelling and commitment to both craft and community, Susan Sandler has built a lasting legacy as a playwright who elevates the everyday into the extraordinary—celebrating the quiet struggles, connections, and transformations that define the human experience.