Credits
Twenty-plus productions since 2016 — published plays, original devised work, staged readings, film–stage hybrids and sketch.
Across Los Angeles and Orange County, from the Long Beach Playhouse studio to Second City Hollywood. A full resume is available on the press page.
Theatre
Director
- 2022
A Lovely Day for a Boating TripStaged reading
Long Beach Playhouse - 2021
Kvetcher in the WryFilm–stage hybrid
OC-Centric, Orange CA - 2021
Sock Town: A Film Noir Sock Puppet MusicalFilm–stage hybrid
Long Beach Playhouse - 2021
Yellow FaceStaged reading
Morgan-Wixson Theatre, Santa Monica - 2020
She Kills MonstersMain theatre
STAGEStheatre, Fullerton - 2020
10 Ways to Survive a Pandemic
A Place Called Home, Los Angeles - 2019
The Hatmaker’s WifeStudio theatre
Long Beach Playhouse - 2019
24 Hour Theater FestivalStudio theatre
Long Beach Playhouse - 2018
Alice in SlasherlandMain theatre
A Place Called Home, Los Angeles - 2018
Love/SickStudio theatre
Long Beach Playhouse - 2017
Cowboy Vs. SamuraiStudio theatre
Long Beach Playhouse - —
Metamorphoses
Chapman University, Orange CA - —
She Kills Monsters
Long Beach Playhouse - —
Just Like Us
Rio Hondo College, Whittier CA
Assistant director
In support
- —
Colonialism Is Terrible, But Pho Is DeliciousAssistant director
Chance Theater, Anaheim - —
HamletAssistant director
Vanguard University, Costa Mesa
University & devised
Where it started
- —
The PillowmanDirector
UC Irvine - —
Almost, MaineDirector
UC Irvine - —
FeelerOriginal devised work
UC Irvine
Almost, Maine: Being my first time seeing it, Shin’s production set the bar high. The production value was astonishing for the resources available for an independent project at a school. The material was treated with a sort of heart that made every scene speak the truth in a very honest and warm way.
Feeler: The level of professionalism involved in the rehearsal and performance of this show was nothing short of amazing. His technical team took the right channels in procuring certain props, and the creativity in crafting a new work by a student was refreshing to see.
The Pillowman: The casting was perfect, the performance space was spot on for the intimate story it told, and the direction was fantastic. One of my favorite shows I saw at UCI.
Kevin Chrisney
Through the play Feeler, Shinshin presented an avant-garde atmosphere that drew me in and was well-choreographed. He really prepared the actors very well so that they could move through this unusual world very fluidly.
In The Pillowman, Shinshin’s direction allowed Nick Manfredi and Nick Adams’ characters to flourish, convincing the audience that one was more naive and the other was protective. I was sold on their characters being brothers. Shinshin knew how to get the characters to interact and project in such a way that filled the play with the right amount of tension and emotion.
Steven Shinder
Sketch comedy
No MSG Added
Co-founder and artistic director of an all-AAPI sketch team, formed in Orange County in 2019 to fill a gap in the local scene. Eighteen-plus shows to date at Second City Hollywood, Chance Theater, STAGEStheatre and The Improv Collective, plus a run of online comedy shorts.
- 2020
No MSG Added: Goes To LASketch revue
Second City Hollywood - 2019
No MSG Added: Second CourseSketch revue
Second City Hollywood - 2019
No MSG Added: Bagged LunchesSketch revue
Second City Hollywood
Case note
Sock Town
A film noir sock puppet musical, written by composer Andrew Wilcox and shot for the Long Beach Playhouse in 2021. A handful of rehearsals, twelve hours of filming, and a cast, cameraman and editor assembled around a single day’s schedule.
“His infectious humor and calm has never been shaken under the pressure that time and budget constraints often create in theater.”Andrew Wilcox · Composer & sound designer
“Shinshin was only given a few rehearsals to work with all of the actors before we began filming, where we could only afford 12 hours of constant shooting. Shinshin was the one who organized the appearance of a cameraman, an editor, most of the actors, and the schedule for the day, which was the only reason we were able to get everything done. Sock Town remains one of my favorite memories in my time doing theater, and I have Shinshin to thank for that.”
On stage
As an actor and improviser
Directing came out of performing, and the performing never entirely stopped. Captain of Improv Revolution at UC Irvine; still on stage with No MSG Added.
As an actor, Shinshin is a warm and giving individual with a lot of heart. He takes the silliest pieces very seriously, and approaches serious work with lightness. Also one time he played the cow in Into The Woods, perfectly ad-libbing “Moo”s until one scene where he went super saiyan and stole the show. This is indicative of the rare kind of actor Shinshin is. He can take a part without lines, or character, and make something spectacular and unique.
Zak Houston
Shinshin is perhaps the greatest improvisational actor I’ve had the pleasure of doing a scene with. Not because he can snap out a witty line, but because he brings a genuine passion for entertainment and laughter so obvious in his personal interactions to every role he takes on.
Cody Hale
More than anyone else in the room, Shinshin is always the first to volunteer to do whatever he can to help and serve others. As an actor I always felt comfortable and safe around him, which allowed me to do better work. He’s a better director because of his experience as an actor; he speaks our language. Hire him.
Caitlin Brooke Scott
Shinshin is not only an amazing actor, director, and creator, but an incredible person to work with and be around. He brings light and laughter into any space he occupies, and always knows how to lift any and everyone’s spirits.
Eriel Brown
Shinshin’s direction always brings a unique element of fun with an emotionally sensitive touch.
Sam Tanng
Shinshin knows just how to make you feel comfortable the second you walk into a room with him. His attention to detail really helped me feel like my performance was in good hands and we were really able to collaborate and bring the best out of our time together.
Anthony Gibson
The works I have observed from Shinshin have been unique and inspirational. His productions become an extension of himself, like a gripping novel you can’t pull yourself away from. Each scene is with purpose, using the format and space in a beautiful manner that contributes to the narrative he is building.
Taylor Fujimoto
Working with Shinshin is an absolute joy. His humor and jovial qualities bring fresh insight to scripts, and the love he pours into his work is so apparent in the outcome.
Olivia Allen
Shinshin is one of the most generous, creative, inspirational artists I have ever had the pleasure to work with. His originality and charisma truly make him a joy to work with. When he’s on the project, I always feel comfortable knowing he will bring his true authentic vision to it.
Dani Honeyman
Shinshin is a true team player. He will always do what is necessary to ensure the success of a project. And he will do so with a smile!
Amanda Novoa
Very smart and tactful.
Julianna Ojeda
Looking for a director?
Tell me about the script, the space and the dates. I’ll tell you honestly whether I’m the right person for it.