Shawna Sutherland has been performing since she was a two year old in tap shoes, dancing to Michael Jackson on the kitchen counter for family and friends. Third grade brought along Shawna's first opportunity to 'play' on stage, where she donned a head of straw hair and a long braid as "Rapunzel." She has been 'playing' ever since.
At eight years old, Shawna picked up a tennis racket for the first time, and a ten year competitive tennis career as a junior ranked player ensued. While she loved the sport, and even went on to coach, Shawna knew her heart belonged to the arts. Knee injuries forced an early retirement from competitive play, and Shawna - who prides herself in always trusting her instincts - took that as a sign that life was telling her to follow her heart.
Starring in high school plays only furthered Shawna's love for acting, and before graduating she put herself behind the scenes to direct the classic Mary Chase production of 'Harvey." Understanding the importance of learning what goes on behind the scenes as well as in front of them, she decided to make her way to Los Angeles to study film/television and theater at USC. While a Trojan, Shawna found herself both infront of, and behind the camera, learning the ins-and-outs of filmmaking. She continued to study theater, and even wrote and starred in her own solo performance show on stage, while also being actively involved in her sorority and the Greek system at USC.
As college ended, Shawna took a few years hiatus from performing and pursuing her career to help care for her ailing Mother in Northern California, living part-time in Los Angeles. Although she continued studying her craft diligently in L.A. Shawna remained devoted to her family during their trying times. Through God's strength and grace after a difficult few years, Shawna returned to Los Angeles where she found success both on stage and on camera. You may have caught her performance on stage in Layon Gray's "Diary of a Catholic School Dropout," seen her leading the ropes in a small fire-ravaged mountain town in Hulu's first feature narrative "In The Darkness," as a scantily clad cocktail waitress in Sony Picture Entertainment's award winning web-series "The Bannen Way," or even caught one of her performances as part of the improv troup "The Lottery" at I.O.West.
2011 was a life-changing year, as Shawna's journey moved her to New York! She will continue working on both coasts, returning to Los Angeles early next year to team up again with Mattoid Entertainment as the title role in the feature "Who Killed Jane Finch."
Check out Shawna's blog where she often posts shorts, poems, and various other creative works.
Meet Jane Finch
Check out a behind the scenes interview on set of 'In The Darkness' here
You can follow Jane on twitter , facebook, and youtube
JANUARY 2012: Happy 2012 everyone! New headshots on the way! Shooting next week with an updated look. Yes, the black hair is gone! TV auditions have started so keep your eyes and ears tuned in here for updates!
DECEMBER 2011: 'Damaged Goods' is a wrap for Shawna. Great shoot-if you want to see what Shawna looks like reaallly angry, you'll get a glimpse when the film comes out. For updates to it's progress, check here .
Hey everyone! November has been busy with auditions and callbacks! Thanks to the awesome team at Clear Talent Group! I will keep you posted as everything moves forward. I also promise to keep you up to date on "Who Killed Jane Finch" as production moves forward, but in the meantime - make sure you follow 'Jane' on twitter and facebook . XO SHAWNA
NOVEMBER 2011: Shawna is thrilled to have been cast as the leading lady in Jersey Flix's comedic short "Damaged Goods." Shawna will play Denise-a too good for her ex-boyfriend man-eater! The script, written by Michael Miceli, won Best Short Screenplay at the LA Comedy Festival on November 20th, and also snagged Honorable Mention at both the 2011 Los Angeles Movie Awards, and the 2011 LA REEL Film Festival.
AUGUST 2011: Very excited to welcome theatrical agent Paula Poeta of Clear Talent Group to Shawna's team, and looking forward to being part of a great agency with offices on both coasts!
Rescuing girls, renewing Kenya.
One Home Many Hopes rescues abandoned and orphaned girls from the streets of Mwatapa Kenya and proviides them with a loving home, medical care, food, and an elite education in faith that they will become the leaders of tomorrow and end the cycle of poverty in Africa. Shawna is personally involved with OHMH and considers the founder a dear friend. She continues to advocate on their behalf for the amazing work they are doing to not only provide a sustainable life, but a permanant sollution to end poverty in Africa.
For more information: www.ohmh.org
Every year on a particularly special day, Shawna donates blood to her local children's hospital. In years past, the LA Children's Hospital has been where she donated. 2011 will be NYC Children's Hospital. Whether you can make a more regular donation, or volunteer to do so once a year, donating blood and platelets to your local children's hospital can provide the most beautiful gift; a bit of yourself may help save a child's life. Check every month or so to see if the hospital is in need od a particular blood type. On occasion a special case will come in and they will be short on that blood type. If you know this, get the word out and organize a blood drive! All it takes is a little bit of your time. And after, you get a cookie!
For more information: www.childrenshospital.org
The Bowery Mission has been providing for the homeless and hungry in New York City since 1879.
Shawna is actively involved with food and clothing drives for this amazing non-profit which acts as transitional housing for those in need, providing food, clothing, shelter, medical attention and teachings in faith. They have programs for men, women, and at-risk youth, as well as outreach and recovery programs. Their work is a true blessing to those in need in New York City.
For more information: www.bowery.org
"Things do not change; we change them."
Henry David Thoreau
THEATRICAL AGENT
CLEAR TALENT GROUP
25 W. 38th Street Suite 1204 New York, NY 10018
212.840.4100
paula_cleartalentgroup.com
contact_shawnasutherland.com
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