Shani Elise Barrett
Actor | Singer | Dancer
Shani is an actor, singer, and dancer currently based in Phoenix, Arizona, with residences in New York City and Orange County, California. Shani started her performing career before she was born, as her paternal grandparents traveled the world dancing in the vaudeville circuit and her mother was a professional dancer. Most recently Shani has performed with companies such as The Phoenix Theatre Company and Arizona Theatre Company.
Shani has a BFA in Theatre from NYU’s TISCH School of the Arts and continues training as much as she can, when she can.
“Shani Barrett is perfect as Sheila, the dancer who is slightly older than most of the others auditioning and who speaks with biting sarcasm and honesty. Her delivery of “At the Ballet” with Morgan Faith Jackson (BeBe) and understudy Elyssa Blonder (who was on for Maggie at the performance I attended) is a highlight, with moving vocals from the trio.”
“The Fezziwig scenes provide some of the production’s most exuberant moments, led by D. Scott Withers, whose portrayal of the jovial patriarch is full-throated, jubilant, and irresistibly magnetic. He is well matched by Shani Barrett as Mrs. Fezziwig.”
“Fraulein Kost is a lively tenant in Fraulein Schneider’s boardinghouse and Shani Barrett’s depiction of this opportunistic woman is bright and bold.”