Shira Piven grew up in a theatre family. She spent many years in Chicago directing, teaching and performing. After moving to New York She became the Artistic Director of Water Theatre Company from 1999-2003. She also directed burn manhattan spontaneous theatre, started several other Performance groups, and directed at places like H.B. Playwrights and the Ontological.

Since moving to LA in 1993 she has done a bunch of stuff with performers like Paula Killen, Donna-Jo Thorndale, Spencer Kayden, Polly Noonan, Ed Asner, Eliot Laurence and the late great Stephanie Mnookin--At the actorsgang, UCB Theatre, The Hothouse, Pasadena Playhouse and with Nora Ephron, helping her develop a book into a play. She recently participated in several shorts for funnyordie.com. She lives with her husband Adam McKay and their two daughters Lili and Pearl.