S02 E15: On Creative Life & Work with Shanga Parker

Author: Daniel Lamb & Anna Rosa Parker / Shanga Parker
Published: Mon 27 Sep 2021
Episode Link: None

“I know I walk into the room with that — it’s going to take them a minute for them to understand or see me in that role, because it’s extra.”

— Shanga Parker

Shanga Parker has one foot in academia and one on stage.

The multi-talented actor, director, and educator has spent the last 25 years splitting his time between creating art and teaching thousands of students the art of acting.

His experiences have given him great insight into the impact of race, pigeonholing, and stereotyping in education and the arts — insights that he generously shares during this honest and fascinating episode of Artist Inclusive.

This candid conversation touches on a number of different topics, including changes in teaching during our age of remote learning, what it takes to succeed in the business side of acting, and why Los Angeles may be more accessible than New York City.

In‌ ‌this‌ ‌episode of the podcast,‌ ‌you’ll discover:‌ ‌

Shanga’s biggest takeaway after teaching thousands of actors
How race and ambiguity play into the casting process — and what needs to change
Why Shanga still splits his time between acting and teaching after 25 years

About Shanga Parker: Shanga Parker is an actor, educator, director, and activist who splits his time between New York and Reykjavík. Shanga teaches Acting at NYU - TISCH, primarily Movement for Actors, and is known for his work in television shows and films such as Mr. Robot, Law And Order: SVU, Ironside, and One Last Time, as well as acting and directing on stage.

‌

Highlights:‌ ‌

00:17 Introduction

01:11 Meet Shanga Parker

02:32 Biggest takeaway from teaching

03:55 Remote world & teaching shifts

08:19 Why Shanga still acts: part 1

10:26 Shanga’s journey

13:27 Casting & race

16:05 Preconceptions & progress

19:31 New York to Los Angeles

21:18 Post-2020 world