As an educator...
Shanara is proud to be an adjunct faculty member at Catholic University and University of Maryland – helping to shape the future of performance practice in America by fostering young artists. Courses taught include Acting, Movement, On Camera Acting, Commerical Technique, Acting the Song, Musical Theatre Auditioning, Theatre for Communities, Devising, Business of Theatre, Marketing for Artists, and more. Shanara has taught in degree programs including: MFA, MM, BM, BFA, and BA, as well as with K-12 student artists.
Private Coaching
A working actor and director looking to help you take it to the next level! Extensive experience as an on-set coach for actors and helping find clarity in direction, clear moments in scenes, depth in text, and truth in every character. Commercial copy coach to nail those commercial auditions as well. Great with hosting, personality and branding, and on-camera presence. Classically trained actress – great with Shakespeare and heightened text as well as time-period pieces for on camera work. Professional audition coaching to help you book the job! Always looking to find playable action, specificity, connection, and relaxation in the moment.
Acting clients have booked TV and Film including: Chicago Med, Empire, House of Cards, Homeland, Up In The Air, Logan, Holiday, Whisper, and more. National commercials including: Walgreens, Purina, Build-A-Bear, AT&T, and more. Broadway’s productions including: of The Crucible, Mary Poppins, The Audience, Billy Elliott, The Sound of Music, A Christmas Story, and more. Professional clients include: Wells Fargo Advisors, McCormack Baron Salazar, US Bank, SPARK conference, T-Rex, MBA students across the country, and a long time coach with Elements Partnership, the Association for Talent Development, and COCABiz.
“Shanara is so detailed. She takes her time to read through every action, every beat and moment. She is also very easy to work with, no ego. You will not be disappointed!“
“ Fantastic coach to work with and has great insights for the material!“
GENERAL OVERVIEW
With over 10 years of collegiate teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and nearly 20 years of professional work at the highest-level theaters across the country – as well as in TV, Film, commercial, and expansive on-camera mediums – Shanara brings professional excellence, passion, and an open spirit to every job she takes on.
CURRENT UNIVERSITIES
TEACHING PRINCIPLES
- Justice
- Excellence
- Anti-oppression
- Rigor
- Truth
- Bravery
- Professionalism
