Today we'd like to introduce you to Shaun Miller.
Current Location: Westminster, Ca
Shaun, before we jump into it, why don't you tell us a little about your story.
I grew up in a singing family and would sing in many gospel and show choirs around Orange and Riverside County. I always loved musical theater, but didn't get into it until I was 23 years old. My very first musical was Once On This Island in 1994 where I was cast in the ensemble. It was there I met my forever friend Director Tim Nelson. About two years later Tim cast me the role of Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz, where I was able to use my gospel roots. After that, I took some time off to get married and start a family. I never lost my love for musical theater during that time and got my family into loving it as well. It was 10 years later in 2006 that I received a call from Tim Nelson letting me know that a brand new theater was opening in Westminster and guess who the director was. Tim! Of course I said YES to being a part of history making in my own city! Tim open the Rose Center Theater with Once on This Island and I was cast in the role of Mama Euralie. Since that musical and its grand opening of the Rose Center, I have had the pleasure of being part of several productions at the Rose. Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, Are The Stars Out Tonight, several musical reviews, special events (Mayor's Ball), and this new production TOGETHER that I am very excited about.
Overall, has it been a rather smooth road? If not, what are some of the struggles you've experienced along the way?
As I said before, I had to step away from theater for a little bit to take on the roles that changed my life for the better....being a wife and mom. So stepping back on stage after 10 years was a little rough, but by the opening night of Once on This Island.... I was READY TO SHINE with rest of the cast.
Can you tell us about what you are currently working on? Anything you have been focused on during this time of quarantine?
As of today, I am very involved in my church where I'm the worship leader. I have a new role in life called "Lovie" which is what my grandson calls me. I haven't had much time to be involved in theater, so when Tim Nelson reached out to me about TOGETHER and how it was going to work.....I WAS IN!
Do you have an early childhood memory that you fondly remember?
My favorite memories are from going to Norfolk, Virginia where my father is from and sitting with family as my father and his brothers would sing. They were absolutely amazing. My father and all of his brothers have passed away, but I'm thankful that we have videos of those memories.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment in musical theater so far has been creating history in my city by being a part of the Rose Center Theater's Grand Opening Musical Production, Once on This Island. I pretty sure TOGETHER will be right up there with it.
The upcoming Virtual Revue you are performing in is titled TOGETHER. What role do you think the arts has played in unifying people?
I know people from all works of life (black, white, old, young, male, female gay, or straight) who love the theater just as much as I do. I personally have met the most incredible people in theater who I have followed and watched become amazing entertainers, teachers, and directors. I will be honest, if it weren't for theater I probably wouldn't have crossed paths with any of them. I am so proud to call all of them my "theater" family. Especially my loving lifetime friends Director Tim Nelson and his amazing wife Mary Murphy-Nelson.
Contact Info:
Email: Shaunmiller92206@gmail.com
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