Sonya Shepherd
Norwalk,CA
Summary
Professional educator with outstanding communication and instruction experience. Adjunct Faculty adapts to different classroom settings and subjects. Masterful at instructing diverse groups and can work within constraints of school guidelines and policies. Keen observer equipped to change teaching styles based on student need or subject matter. A professional actress with an outgoing personality and a strong history of professional relationships with students and faculty members. Leading with passion and purpose.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor
AMDA College of the Performing Arts
07.2021 - Current
- Instructed students in acting fundamentals, scene study techniques and practical business knowledge of the entertainment industry
- Collaborated with industry experts to enrich students' understanding of the field
- Contributed to curriculum development efforts, ensuring content was up-to-date and relevant to industry trends.
- Increased student retention by providing individualized support and tailored feedback on assignments.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Classes taught include: Intro to Communications, Scene Study, Musical Theatre History, Industry & Networking, Art of the Monologue; provided instruction to more than 200 students
Professional Actor
Various Production Studios
07.2003 - Current
- Performed Guest Starring and recurring roles in over 85 television, film, commercial, voiceover and theatrical productions
- Captivated audiences by delivering emotionally engaging and authentic performances in various productions.
- Collaborated with directors, producers, and fellow actors to develop compelling characters and storylines.
- Notable Credits include: The Lion King (Broadway), NCIS, The Rookie, SWAT, Scandal, Major Crimes, Snowfall, This Is Us, Sid the Science Kid
- Full performance resume available upon request.
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
09.2012 - 05.2021
- Served as a K-6 instructor throughout the greater Los Angeles area
- Taught acting on a long-term sub basis as needed within the Arts Education Department
- Accepted supplemental academic duties
- Assisted with writing and directing of school performances as needed
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission to administration for reporting purposes.
Teaching Artist
The Young Shakespeareans
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Collaborated with fellow artists to fine tune relevant content and disseminate information to all students in the program.
- Lead students in specific curriculum of academic and theatrical activities.
- Worked as a team to facilitate the culminating community performance.
- Established rapport with students by maintaining open lines of communication and demonstrating genuine interest in their progress.
Motion Capture Performer/Voice Artist
Jim Henson Productions
01.2008 - 11.2011
- Worked closely with the direction team and fellow actors to create and perform computer-generated characters for an original animation series with more than 25 episodes.
- Utilized constructive feedback from peers, directors, or clients to refine performances for improved results continually.
- Delivered exceptional voiceover performances by utilizing various accents, tones, and styles for diverse projects.
COORDINATOR EXPERIENCE, Arts Coordinator
Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary
07.2011 - 08.2011
- Supervised arts teachers in a summer program to enhance academic curriculum.
- Coordinated and directed culminating community performance for more than 200 parents and guests.
Performing Arts Instructor
Los Angeles Unified School District
09.2005 - 12.2008
- Developed engaging lessons and integrated theatre into the curriculum for students K-5.
- Coordinated student performances to showcase their learning.
- Demonstrated effective techniques to support students' understanding of theatre based on California standards.
- Mentored students on their individual projects, providing constructive feedback and guidance for improved artistic expression.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive classroom environment where all students felt comfortable expressing themselves through art.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies within the classroom, catering to various skill levels and interests of students.
Education
MAED/TED-S - Education
University of Phoenix
Los Angeles05.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Mass Communications
University of Alabama At Birmingham
06.1993
ASL Certificate - American Sign Language (ASL)
El Camino College
Torrance, CASkills
- Individualized Support
- In-Class Lectures
- Online Instruction
- Diverse Student Populations
- Online Class Discussion
- Lesson Planning
- Assign Grades
- Class Instruction
- Interactive Learning
- Individualized Student Assistance
Affiliations
Screen Actors Guild/Association of Radio & Television Artists (SAG/AFTRA)
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA)
References
Dr. Krishna Smith
USC Adjunct Professor
323-449-2102
drkrishnaysmith@gmail.com
Sharon Carry
Owner: The Carry Company
213-388-0770
sharon@carrycompany.com
Thomas O’Leary
AMDA Faculty
310-739-6394
tjonycla@gmail.com
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
AMDA College of the Performing Arts
07.2021 - Current
Teaching Artist
The Young Shakespeareans
01.2019 - 04.2019
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
09.2012 - 05.2021
COORDINATOR EXPERIENCE, Arts Coordinator
Florence Griffith Joyner Elementary
07.2011 - 08.2011
Motion Capture Performer/Voice Artist
Jim Henson Productions
01.2008 - 11.2011
Performing Arts Instructor
Los Angeles Unified School District
09.2005 - 12.2008
Professional Actor
Various Production Studios
07.2003 - Current
MAED/TED-S - Education
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre and Mass Communications
University of Alabama At Birmingham
ASL Certificate - American Sign Language (ASL)
El Camino College
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