Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shana Wride. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

The easy answer I guess is yes I am happy as an artist or creative. The truth is perhaps a bit more complicated! I have not always been able to focus on my work in the theatre full-time. For huge periods of time I have had to have a full-time “day job “to survive. And whenever humanly possible, I would squeeze theatre in wherever I could find a moment to do so. I noticed early on that sometimes higher paying jobs just did not allow space for your creative self. And in those times I was truly, deeply, miserable. So I learned a lesson and that lesson was I would rather have time for the theatre and be poor! Poor, but I won’t be miserable! So it was always a balancing game.
That is until I was forced to think outside the box. I was limiting myself to only one thing. “I am a theatre actor. That is all.” Well, that is not realistic for most folks. Thankfully, fate had other plans. I was asked to direct a play, so I did and I loved it! Then right before the pandemic, a friend who worked at a community college kept asking me to teach at the community college level. And every time they did, I said no because I was convinced I would not enjoy it. Finally, after years of badgering me, I agreed to direct a show there and it changed my life. I loved it! I loved them! It was the missing piece to my puzzle. I was diversified. Not only in expanding my work as an artist but expanding my ability to earn money. Because for most people, that is necessary. I took a leap of faith and I quit the day job. My portfolio of creative possibilities had now expanded broadly enough to earn me a living. And so now, I pinch myself every day that this late in life, I can honestly say every penny I earn, I earn doing something that I love. When I limited myself to knowing what that was, I paid the price. And so now, I am happy and I am grateful. You never know what might lead you to the answer. I won’t pretend that it is not a constant hustle, but it is worth it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a San Diego based actor and director. Coming up, I will be performing as Sonia in Cygnet Theatre’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Most recently, I directed What the Constitution Means to Me at North Coast Repertory Theatre. I have worked with The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Diversionary Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, The San Diego Symphony, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Intrepid Theatre, Moxie Theatre, Compass Theatre, The Colony Theatre, Open Fist Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Gaslamp Quarter Theatre, and Sledgehammer Theatre.

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As an educator, I am currently on faculty as an acting instructor and director at Grossmont College and Southwestern College. I am also a private acting coach for those looking for professional and college audition preparation. Previously, I worked as Program Coordinator for The Old Globe/University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Acting program, regarded as one of the top graduate programs in the nation.

I am a two-time recipient of the San Diego Critics Circle Craig Noel Award, first for my solo performance in 2.5 Minute Ride at Diversionary Theatre, and later for my performance as Amanda in Cygnet Theatre’s Private Lives. I hold a master’s degree in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University.

While living in Los Angeles, I co-hosted the nationally syndicated radio show, “Women Aloud” with actor/comedienne Mo Gaffney.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Connecting with people. Theatre is collaborative. I love the connection with the audience. I also love working with my students. Understanding human behavior is such a huge part of what we do, it is very rewarding to do that with other humans.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Grow, learn, mentor and survive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shanawride.com
• Other: I have social media accounts but I am not active ..sorry.

Image Credits

Image of 2 women is from SHUTTER SISTERS at The Old Globe Theatre Photo by Rich Soublet II

Image of me holding young man is myself and Luke Harvey Jacobs in THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Diversionary Theatre. No photo credit

Last picture at table is me directing an actor Andrew Oswald in THE WHALE at Cygnet theatre. No photo credit.