Shanda Sawyer’s work as a director, choreographer, and producer has garnered numerous awards including two Emmys, a Gracie, a Peabody, and six American Choreography and World Choreography Award nominations.

Known for her love of collaboration, her expertise across many mediums, and her ability to serve both audiences and clients, Sawyer’s skills include cutting-edge live shows and events, television, music videos, and commercials.

Sawyer launched the groundbreaking Marvel Universe Live! arena show franchise – writing the original concept that brought together Marvel, Disney Theatricals, and Feld Ent. and serving as show creator/director/co-writer for the first international tours of this successful franchise.

In the world of circus, Sawyer was honored to be chosen as director/writer for the 2024/25 re-imagining of NYC’s iconic Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center. Sawyer earned her circus knowledge serving as Show creator/director/writer for the legendary Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus. With her team of Oscar, Tony, and Emmy Award winners she transformed the performance space, incorporated video, narrative storylines, and fresh musical scores. During her tenure with Ringling, ticket sales and profits were revitalized. Circus of Dreams was lauded as the biggest change in 50 years. The NY Times praised Zing Zang Zoom as “an artful eyeful, liberally spiced with mystifying magic.” Sawyer’s revolutionary DRAGONS! toured to sold-out crowds and rave reviews. She also teamed with Broadway Asia and China’s CPAA to direct China Goes Pop – combining Chinese acrobats with immersive Pop Art environments – selling out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and touring internationally.

In the areas of music and television, Sawyer’s credits include HBO and Robert Downey Jr.’s hit series The Sympathizer, 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 & Andrea Bocelli.  Sawyer works extensively in the Asian pop music world as creative producer/director and choreographer for Thuy Nga/Paris by Night’s spectacular international productions – creating hundreds of spectacular concerts and music videos for top Asian music artists.

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, and The World’s Greatest Stunts. Sawyer 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 numerous TV shows.

Sawyer has also created innovative live shows, commercials, and media for corporate clients like Levi’s, L’Oreal, Carnival, Pepsi, Nestle, Nintendo, Subaru, Kelloggs, and Absolut.

She is a proud member of the DGA, ATAS, and SDC.