Shontelle Thrash
Actress, Voice Over Talent, Director, Producer, Educator

Since the early age of 8, it was evident that Shontelle wanted to be an entertainer. She started performing in church, singing and acting in her mother’s plays. She continued to pursue her love for acting by obtaining her B.A. in Theatre from Berea College and her M.F.A. in Acting from Louisiana State University.

“I love performing, making a connection with the audience. Having the opportunity to cause a change in someone, or making someone think about issues they might not have thought about, is truly a beautiful experience. I thank God for it everyday.”

Shontelle has performed nationally and internationally. From Shanghai, China to New York, NY, her body of work spans over ten years. She has performed at some of this countries most prominent venues including: The Martin Luther King Center, The Alliance Theatre, Theatre in the Square, Seven Stages, the Hudson Theatre in New York, just to name a few. Some of her favorite productions include: Harriet Tubman, The Chairs, Hush (Composing Blind Tom Wiggins), A Raisin in the Sun, The Laramie Project, A Woman Called Truth, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Measure for Measure, From the Mississippi Delta, among others.

In addition, Shontelle is an accomplished voiceover and industrial/commercial artist. Some voiceover credits include: Bellsouth, American Cancer Society, Publix, King and King Attorneys, among many others. Industrial/Commercial credits include: Emory Hospital, Coca-Cola, Churches Chicken, and Nationwide Mattress & Furniture Warehouse.

Directorially, Shontelle has worked on several productions for theatres and colleges. “Another one of my loves is directing. The collaboration between a director and actor is crucial in order to create a successful production. I enjoy the challenge of creating a concept for a production and seeing it come to fruition.”

Shontelle is currently the Assistant Professor of Theatre and Communication at Clayton State University. As an educator, Shontelle has taught acting to college students, and conducted workshops for future artists. One of her truest joys emanates from her one on one coaching. “We as artists have to share the gifts and talents that God has given us. Coaching gives me the opportunity to work closely with my students to get to the grit of a character and bring it to life. I love to see that moment when a student gets it; when he/she really connects with a character or has a realization.”

Moreover, Shontelle is also the casting director for her company called Right Choice Casting, LLC. She is also the creator/producer for the Artist's Showcase of Atlanta where actors showcase their talents in front of agents, casting directors, producers and other theatre professionals.

Shontelle is currently in preproduction for her one woman show called Stand Up. It's about the life of a standup comedian. It is scheduled to open in 2010.

www.shontellethrash.com