Shandra also writes songs and poetry and is turning her attention to writing for theatre and film. Shandra's poetry was first published in an anthology called "in a vast dreaming," published by Native Women in the Arts. [info about NWIA by Toronto.com] Shandra was a writer for Sankofa News, a multi-cultural newspaper, in 1999. She wrote, directed and produced three short films in 2000-2001, and produced short pieces for CJAM 91.5 radio.
Beginning in 1994, Shandra trained as an actor, at George Brown, Sheridan College, Equity Showcase Theatre, and in The Actors' Conservatory, an intensive training program led by Kevin McCormick. Shandra continued training in intensive programs with the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in their 1995 Native Theatre School session, and at the 1995 National Voice Intensive, led by David Smukler at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. She has since worked for Native Earth Performing Arts and Debajehjumig Theatre Group.
In 1993, Shandra gained her first experiences singing traditional songs with a hand-drum or shakers. She quickly became part of the Nishnawbe Quek Singers, which later became the Sweetgrass City Singers. Shandra has performed or recorded with some fabulous First Nations singers, including Pura Fe of Ulali, Jani Lauzon and Murray Porter.
Combining her twenty years of experience in leading groups with her theatre and voice training, Shandra also designs and facilitates workshops for groups and individuals in acting, singing and voice for public speaking.
Shandra is Ojibway, a member of
Rainy River First Nations / Manitou Rapids
[link to info about RRFN/Manitou by the Trillium Foundation]
and is a member of the Wolf Clan.