Shanda Sawyer’s work as a Director, Choreographer and Producer has garnered numerous awards
including two Emmys®, a Gracie and six American Choreography and World Choreography Award
nominations. Known for her expertise across many mediums, Sawyer’s skills encompass television,
concerts and music video, narrative-driven live shows, commercials and cutting edge corporate
events.
Sawyer created the groundbreaking Marvel Universe Live! arena show franchise – writing the
original concept that brought Marvel, Disney Theatricals and Feld Entertainment together and
collaborating closely with Marvel CCO Joe Quesada. Sawyer served as Show Creator, Director and
Co-Writer for the first U.S. and international tours of this uber-successful franchise. She is currently
developing live experiences and shows for other well-known IPs.
In the realm of music, Sawyer’s recent credits include serving as Creative producer and
Choreographer on a series of six music videos for Blake Shelton’s Texoma Shore album, and
Creative Consultant for performances by Beyonce, Michael Bolton & Andre Bocelli. Sawyer also
works extensively in the Asian pop music world. As Creative Producer/Director and Choreographer
for Thuy Nga – Paris By Night’s spectacular international productions for over a decade, she has
created over 100 concert shows and music videos for top Asian music stars.
Sawyer was honored to be chosen to re-imagine the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus.
With her team of Oscar®, Tony® and Emmy Award® winners, Sawyer completely re-designed this
American entertainment icon – transforming the performance space, incorporating video, narrative
storyline and a fresh musical score. During her tenure, ticket sales and profits were revitalized.
Sawyer’s first Ringling show Circus of Dreams was lauded as the biggest change in 50 years. The
NY Times praised her next show Zing Zang Zoom as “an artful eyeful, liberally spiced with mystifying
magic.” Sawyer’s revolutionary DRAGONS! circus also toured to sold-out crowds and rave reviews.
Sawyer’s latest circus project China Goes Pop – a joint production from Broadway Asia and China’s
CPAA – sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and is currently touring globally. The show
combines traditional Chinese culture and acrobatics with western pop music and projected Pop Art
environments.
Sawyer’s work as a television director has fueled the success of TV comedies such as Queer Eye,
The Man Show, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, and reality shows like Extreme Makeover, The
Miss America Pageant, and The World’s Greatest Stunts. Sawyer also Executive produced and
directed Oxygen’s critically acclaimed reality/comedy series Who Needs Hollywood? and was
honored to design and direct the Michael Kidd Tribute for the Academy Awards®. Her
choreography is featured in shows such as The Choice, House MD and Ghost Whisperer.
In the corporate and commercial arena, Sawyer has created cutting edge live shows, commercials
and media for clients such as Levi’s, L’Oreal, Carnival, Pepsi, Nestle, Nintendo, Subaru and
Absolut. Sawyer is a member of the DGA, ATAS, and SDC.