Shandi was born and raised in the foothills of western North Carolina. She found a love for the arts at a young age. Her Fisher Price tape recorder followed her through the house, and at three her parents enrolled her in ballet. Because of this there is videographic evidence of her falling in love with the stage.
During 6th grade Shandi was bitten by the acting bug when she was cast as Martha Cratchit in her class’s production of A Christmas Carol. This interest also went through high school where she was involved with the theatre department. And then into college where she majored in theatre and graduated cum laude with her BA.
She has had the privilege of portraying characters ranging from a princess, to a zany Herbology professor, to a music obsessed vampire. She looks forward to continuing to create new characters and work with passionate people, Shandi also hopes to work to raise awareness for Turner’s and Li- Fraumeni’s Syndromes.
A LITTLE Q & A
- When did you fall in love with theatre?
I really got bit by the bug when I saw Little Women on tour a hundred years ago, ok it was in 2006 but you get the point. I vividly remember sitting in the audience mesmerized, reading my playbill, and determining that performing was what I wanted to do with my life - What has been your favorite role to date?
Honestly, I have a soft spot for all the characters I’ve played. There are a couple of stand outs though. Originating the role of Bijou in The Back Stairwell Player’s production of Buzz Kill was so fun. She was so over the top and it was a blast to bring her to life. Germaine in Picasso at the Lapin Agile meant a lot to me for a couple of reasons. I really wanted to play the part after reading the play, and it’s a type of character I had never really played before. She was also my first lead role back after having a major surgery. So, it felt like a personal triumph getting that casting e-mail. - What is your favorite book?
To know me at all is to know my favorite book is Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam. I’ve honestly kind of made it a personality trait. But that book, and it’s film adaptation, have been a huge source of inspiration to me. - What has been your favorite show you’ve ever seen?
The one that comes to mind is the Hades Town tour. The performances, the musicians, the lighting design, everything was top tier.
Also seeing the world premier production of Rocket Boys the Musical was one of the best nights of my life. - What is your favorite movie and tv show?
Having minored in Media Studies picking a favorite move is hard, because I had to watch a lot of great films. I’d have to say my top three are Young Frankenstein, Mean Girls, and Roman Holiday. I also love a good documentary.
Glee is probably my favorite TV show. I love anything with a musical element so I was hooked instantly. - Besides theatre what other interest/ hobbies do you have?
I have always been a big book worm. Somewhere along the way I developed a strong interest in history, particularly the American Revolutionary period. I blame the musical 1776 for that. I also love music so much, and you’ll find me listening to it a lot. I have gotten back into piano lessons, and should probably be practicing right now… - If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
It’s a dream of mine to live in Top Sail Island in North Carolina. - What are your dream roles?
My top would be:
Katherine of Aragon in King Henry VIII
Heidi in What the Constitution Means to Me
Anyone in Rocket Boys the Musical
Dianna in Next to Normal
John Adams in 1776
Shandi Sturgill 