Shalanda Sims is a writer, director, producer, instructor, vocalist, visionary, mother, wife... who penned her first play in the seventh grade and the rest, as they say, is history. Literally, Shalanda has taken her passion for theater, music, history and fused them to create stories that entertain and educate audiences of all ages.
Acting or singing, she is no stranger to the stage. Shalanda toured nationally and internationally with a community choir for six years, has sung behind professional recording artists, and as a soloist has sang before thousands of people.
Through after-school programs, summer camps, conferences, workshops, and in-school residencies she has taught theater to students of all backgrounds from pre-school to high school since 1995. She also teaches basic theater techniques to adults wanting to venture onto the stage. She studied at University of Portland and Portland State University as well as worked in the Portland metropolitan area with local theater companies as an actress, stage manager, contributing writer, volunteer, and advisor.
In response to the disparities within the theater community, Shalanda founded her own company for those (especially youth) looking for an open door and positive alternative. Now in it's eighth year, her signature production is an original, annual play, Who I Am; Celebrating Me ( wiacm.info )which has received exceptional community support and funding from Regional Arts and Culture Council. As a result she has also been hired by educational organizations to work with students and staff to promote and celebrate African-American heritage through theater.
*For booking please email info@shalandasims.com
