Shea McMillan

I was first introduced to the work of Shea McMillan’s when she served as Assistant Director of Plague Mask Players As You Like It. I had no idea at the time that she was an exceptionally talented performer as well. Then I began to see Shea in roles around the Metroplex and realized that she is an incredible actor. However, it was not until ACT’s Disaster, that I learned what a hauntingly beautiful singing voice she has. It was one of those moments when you realize there is a whole other level of talent to a performer. Since then, Shea has continued to impress me with her skill and versatility in many roles, and she is as at home in straight plays as she is in musicals. The biggest compliment I can give Shea is that seeing her name on a cast list will make me buy a ticket. Take a few moments to read about Shea’s journey in the performing arts.

When was your first time on stage?

Dance recitals as a preschooler. Performing has always been a big part of my life. 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I got bit by the bug really young when my parents took me to see The Sound of Music at Casa Manana when I was 3 years old. They say I was singing and dancing in the lobby during intermission and declaring from that point on that I was going to be an actor.

Who is your greatest mentor?

Oh man, there are so many amazing people who have had big impacts on parts of my life! I'd find it really hard to pick one. I'm very thankful for my many teachers and directors over the years. 

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

Ooh Georgia in Curtains recently may be the top of this list! Other top tier contenders would be Phoebe D'Ysquith, Heather Chandler, and Gwendolen Fairfax. I especially love comedy and period pieces. 

Do you have a dream role?

Several! A few top roles I would love to someday play are Elle in Legally Blonde, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Cinderella or Baker's Wife in Into the Woods. Glinda in Wicked would be the ultimate, but it's not able to be produced regionally. I could go ON and ON about roles that would be a dream to play!

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

I love to share the stage with my wonderful husband Michael, and as much as we work together in theatre on the directing/producing side, this year has been the first time we've gotten to both be in shows together (Curtains at Allen Contemporary Theatre and 9 to 5 at Repertory Company Theatre) since the year we first met playing Olivia and Sebastian in Twelfth Night 9 years ago. If I could pick a celebrity to work with, off the top of my head I'm going with either Audra Macdonald or Olivia Coleman. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

Oh so many! On a trip to NYC last year the casts of Suffs and Stereophonic really blew me away, especially Shaina Taub who was so distinctive and honest leading Suffs AND she wrote the show!

What are your career goals?

There's honestly a lot in my theatre career already that feels like I'm accomplishing a lot of goals. I'm very fortunate and happy to be constantly acting, singing, directing, choreographing, or producing something (or multiple things) at any given time! I love getting to be regularly immersed in theatre here in our local scene and don't need big time fame to validate that. But a big goal/dream would be making a living off of doing theatre instead of it being an additional thing on top of my full time office job.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

Okay this is a weird one but it's my go-to fun fact: I am allergic to water. I can drink it no problem, but contact with my skin makes me break into hives! I developed this very rare allergy in my mid-twenties and take meds for it daily so it's not really a problem day-to-day, but isn't it bizarre?