1. Where are you from and where do you reside now?
I’m from Brooklyn New York and I live in Brooklyn now.
2. What is your artistic discipline?
I am a Multi-Disciplinary Maker, Actor, Musician, and Writer.
3. When did you become a Member?
I became a member over 15 years ago.
4. What is one of your favorite EST Memories?
One of my favorite memories from EST was the opening night of Behind The Sheet by Charly Evon Simpson Directed by Colette Robert. When I walked into the dressing room, Graeme Gillis and Colette Robert were standing silently reading from a phone. I looked into Colette’s eyes, and she said two words: “Critic’s Pick.” They had just read Ben Brantley’s New York Times review of the play.
I was overjoyed—not just because it was a fantastic cast, but because Charly and Colette had worked so hard on the show and truly deserved all the flowers. It was such an honor to contribute to a story inspired by Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy.
Performing in that play remains one of my favorite experiences—not only because of the humans I had the privilege of sharing the stage with and being inspired by but also because of the profound impact it had on me and everyone who saw it.
5. What is influencing or inspiring your artistry right now?
Right now, my artistry is deeply influenced and inspired by the five humans in my band, The US Open—Diana Oh, Bobby Moreno, William Jackson Harper, Jeff Biehl, and Steve Boyer—who came together when the band was formed at EST. Our work is grounded in the foundational love and respect we have for each other, which fuels everything we create. I'm also inspired by the work of Developing Artists, run by Jill Ashley Kim and Jinn Kim. Developing Artists challenges teens to combine rigorous performing arts training with ensemble-based philosophy to create original work that inspires social change. I often attend their REBEL VERSES Youth Arts Festival to stay inspired because their talent and passion are extraordinary. Equally important to me is the urgent need to bring humans together in rooms to experience art that reminds us of our shared humanity and nudges us to be more empathetic.
6. Who are your artistic influences?
My Artistic influences are Elizabeth Swados, Diana Oh, Tamilla Woodard, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alfredo Narciso, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Prince, Griff, Jensen McCrae, John Chu, Ava Duvernay, Michelle Yeoh, Brian D. Coats, Denzel Washington, Lizzie McAlpine, Colman Domingo, Jon Batiste, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Reggie Watts, Chris Martin, Doechii, and Natalie Tenenbaum.
7. What was the best play/film/TV you watched recently?
The best play I watched recently was a reading of Hop tha A starring Tony Award Winner Kara Young, written by James Anthony Tyler and directed by Portia. Holy Wow! Portia appeared in the Ensemble Studio Theatre production of Redwood by Brittany K. Allen in which she was also stellar. I’ve always admired Portia as an actor, but her direction in this play was also fantastic. Both Portia and James Anthony Tyler are two phenomenal artists.
8. What advice do you have for emerging theatermakers that you wish you knew?
The advice I have for emerging theater makers that I wish I knew:
Study all you can. Pay attention to what lights you up on the inside. Realize that you are on your own unique journey. Don’t compare yourself to others. Stay close to the art and the artists you admire. Build, maintain, and be part of a community of like-minded people. No one gets anywhere completely on their own.
Treat everyone with respect and kindness. There’s something to learn from every person you meet. Use your discernment to decide what to emulate and what to implement. Mistakes are essential for learning and growth—learn from both your own and others’ mistakes.
If your intuition tells you to change course, listen to it. If fear is keeping you stuck, move toward it. Use fear as a compass when it shows up.
You are enough. Listen twice as much as you speak. Share whatever you learn with others, and help them whenever you can. Ask people how you can be of service. If you can help, do it without expecting anything in return. If you can’t help directly, connect them with someone who can.
Be kind. Work hard. This industry isn’t always fair, but be your authentic self. Keep growing as a person. Love yourself. Love others. Practice empathy. Eat a waffle. Stay active and find movement that you enjoy.
Your voice and experience are valuable—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Think long-term. Keep taking action and never give up.
I’ve seen that those who stay on the path and create from a place of love for the craft often experience breakthroughs, opportunities, and even miracles. Your path to success—whatever that means for you—is uniquely yours. Even with roadblocks, you’ll find a way through if you never give up.
So, keep shining. I’m rooting for you.
9. What are you working on now?
I’m working on becoming a better human being. It’s an ongoing practice of learning how to have more empathy daily. I’m an extroverted introvert who became an Artist to live my dreams; the only way to do that is to grow. Artistically, I’m working on a reading of my next play with music, Before We Disappear, directed by Jill Ashley Kim which was developed at LAByrinth Theater Company’s Summer Intensive. I’ll be acting in LAByrinth Theater’s Barn Series in Laura Winter’s play The Starters on February 19th at 59 East 59th Street Theaters. This year, with the support of Dawn Orlando of Funkadelic Studios I’ll be producing, performing, and hosting my variety show/music series Symphonics Live, which recently appeared at The Bitter End(New York’s oldest rock club).
10. How can people connect with you?
For Acting and Writing Inquiries:
Caroline Daughters Management (NY)
Meghan Schumacher Management (LA)
For Music:
www.Patreon.com/shawnrandall
Everything Else:
www.shawnalfredrandall.com