Meet Shannon Williams

Shannon Williams, (he/him) is a super-talented gay Northshore native with his own production company. He likes hiking, karaoke and weekend road trips but above all Shannon is a man of the theatre. He’s a professional actor, writer and teacher and although he’s from the Northshore, he’s lived all over the world, including London where he performed at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre! Shannon is currently back in Louisiana caring for his parents while working towards his dream of owning his own theatre company. A true patron of the arts, if money were no object, he would establish theatre companies in all of his favorite cities and create arts scholarships at every school he’s attended. He acknowledges that the arts saved his life and would love to be able to pay that gift forward to queer youth. ❤️

Friends describe Shannon as “sassy, quick-witted and fiercely loyal” and one audience member admitted they were “intensely disturbed” by his “aggressive sexuality” 😆, but despite being a confident gay man now, things weren't always so easy for him. He came out in 1993 on the Northshore at a time when it was definitely not acceptable to be publicly queer (even less that today) and although his parents embrace him for who he is now, it was a bumpy road to acceptance. Thank you Shannon for being a queer trailblazer and paving the way for us here in our community. 

Speaking of our community, Shannon is thrilled that we're here. Specifically he says the fact our queer family exists and is making an impact fills his heart with joy. Also, the fact that Shannon exists fills my heart with joy because he is a truly kind and loving human. If you haven’t met him yet you’re in for a treat. 

Find our favorite thespian at his go-to restaurants Hambone, Del Porto or Megumi. Or better yet, learn from the Master himself by studying acting with him. 

Finally, for all you theatre nerds who were wondering, his favorite play is “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and the role he would most like to play in the future is Sweeney Todd from the play of the same name. 

Thank you Shannon for being awesome! Please let us know the next time you’re in a performance so we can come support you!