CAST

Velma/Oya

Shalanda is making her Portland Playhouse debut in Crowns. Last seen in The Color Purple at Portland Center Stage at The Armory, favorite credits include Dreamgirls at The Armory, The Pirates of Penzance with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at Portland Opera, and Gospel Christmas at Oregon Symphony. Shalanda studied theater at University of Portland, English at Portland State University, is the author of Night Rhythms; The Hooded Quilt Series, Dramatist Guild, American Guild of Musical Artists member and has written several plays including Church Girls, Vanport, Too Good To Be True, Full-Time Woman and Who I Am Celebrating Me. Some of her film and television credits include The Hunted (Paramount), Extraordinary Measures (CBS Films), Leverage (TNT), Secrets of Successful Dating (Otter Creek), Harvest House (Harvest House) and Faith (Camp Productions). Shalanda teaches theater, is the founder and director of World Stage Theatre, Black History Festival NW and loves spending time with her family. Shalandasims.com