Meet Morgana Shaw

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Morgana Shaw. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Morgana below.

Hi Morgana, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Such a good question. As an actor, you have to be able to take risks. Otherwise, you won’t work.
For me, personally, it’s a continuous, happy way of life.

Please allow me to share with you a little of my back story to put my journey into perspective.
My parents divorced when I was very young, which was deeply devastating for me. One of my many escapes in order to feel better was to go somewhere by myself (my bedroom), and secretly pretend to be someone else and create a new life story with a happy ending. I was a big fan of the movie Parent Trap and would often fantasize about ways to get my parents back together. I would also read a lot of books and act out the stories. I was secretly creating all the time -singing, making up songs, even making up dances to the stories. It was my outlet. My happy place. My little world. I also really loved to dance, creating my own choreography all the time. I would sometimes wrap myself up in the chiffon sheer curtains from our living room and create dances on top of our coffee table (my own personal stage). I used to get in so much trouble for it, but I just loved it so much.
Getting in trouble was not my goal at all, so it was definitely “risky” for me to do this, but in my little mind, it seemed worth it because it made me so happy and it was so freeing! Wow. See, I started taking risks at a really young age.

After the divorce was finalized, my daddy got full custody of me, my little sister, and my baby brother. He worked very hard to provide for us and was gone a lot so we lived with my grandmother, Gladys. She was like my best friend. She taught me to trust my instincts, have faith, and to love myself. My grandma was the backbone of my love, my strength, and all things good. I loved her so much. She never judged me, she just loved me for me. Unfortunately, due to Daddy’s work, we also moved around a lot which meant changing schools a lot.
At school, I was extremely shy. Every new school that I went to was a little more scary to me. I seemed to be always starting over. Never knowing what I was walking into. On the other hand, I also found it to be (secretly)very exciting… I soon realized that with every new place we lived and moved to, I could sort of reinvent myself to try to be braver, not so shy. Become somebody new. It became something that I looked forward to doing. I could be anyone that I wanted to be! A challenge. I loved challenges! A great, productive, slightly risky distraction. A risk worth taking. It was thrilling, in a way. And it made me feel better. It kept me from focusing on the sad situation of my home life. Now, I was still very shy on the outside, but on the inside I was this super curious, very adventurous, creative little girl who wanted to know more about everything, see the world, and loved life!! After school, wherever we were living, I would start writing, thinking about things, daydreaming about a different, better life. I couldn’t wait to figure it out. One night, I found myself watching Natalie Wood in the movie, Gypsy. That movie was life changing for me. I felt very connected to Gypsy, her story. Everything that she went through, my heart felt. I totally got it. Feeling so invisible, so scared, and so shy. I could relate. She was always doing whatever mama told her to do for the sake of the family. That felt like my life too. I loved how she transformed into such a beautiful, powerful, confident woman. Living life on her own terms. That movie became my favorite movie of all time and the role of Gypsy Rose Lee would later become my dream role.…spoiler alert… yes! A dream role that came true, years later. It was amazing! That’s definitely another story for another time, for which I am so very grateful!

So, back to the question about developing my ability to take risk… I have never really thought seriously about my ability to take risks until you asked me this question..I was told constantly (while growing up), that this was as good as it gets for me… a broken home, moving constantly, me being too scared to speak up for fear of saying the wrong thing, just do what your told and be quiet. That’s just life. That didn’t really work for me. I learned at a very young age that there has to be more out there in the world for me..I just had to do figure it out and make it happen! Nobody was going to do it for me.
I believed passionately, with all of my heart and soul, that life did not have to be that way … just because my circumstances, my surroundings dictated a certain way of life… no matter how difficult, sad, depressing it could be…even if it sometimes seemed impossible… it was very clear to me that there had to be another way to live, to love, to laugh. I saw it with my own eyes when I looked at other people and their life choices, the magazines that I loved to read, and the movies and tv shows that I watched. How did all of those wonderful, talented, vibrant people become who they are? I was fascinated and very determined to find out.
I soon realized that if I wanted my life to be different, to live it to the fullest extent, to explore and see different places in the world, to make an actual difference as well as to be an example for others…the only way that was going to happen was to change my situation. It’s the only way for me to fly, to shine my light, to be free to be me. I had no idea how it was going to happen, I just knew there was something in me that was different. Yes! I wanted to see the world!! I wanted to do things with my life! I wanted to touch other peoples lives in a way that would motivate and move their hearts to be better. Just like Natalie Wood did for me in Gypsy!
Once I graduated high school, and moved away from home, I started my real journey…not knowing where it would take me, but I was excited and I had nothing to lose. Trying new things, risky things, exciting things! Some were amazing and some, not so much. It’s ok, I took what I needed and I left the rest behind. I worked very hard and I took chances on every opportunity that presented itself to me. I joined a dance company (with no formal training), and studied very hard under the right hand of the main choreographer. Night and day…worked my butt off!! I wanted to be the best! It was so worth it! We performed all over the DFW metroplex, and in time, I started booking industrial shows as a dancer/actor. I loved it!! I also took acting workshops. I studied with other dancers, actors, casting directors, choreographers, voice teachers. Whatever it took, I did it. I took some big risks. It was well worth it. I couldn’t get enough of it. Soon, I had representation, a talent agent. Doors started opening, work started happening, on stage and screen, work worth doing. My confidence and self esteem blossomed as well as my career. Risks are the only way, if you want to grow. Otherwise you stay stuck, which was not an option for me.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Transformation roles are my jam! Being able to completely transform into a character, capturing their full essence is the ultimate joy for me. Depending on the project, embodying the character requires deep research on my part. Studying the history, reading the books, watching the documentaries, films, or whatever I can find in order to truthfully capture their essence, their body, heart and soul. The good, the bad, and the ugly… I want to be able to become the role, effortlessly and the only way I know is to dig deep and do the work. I like to call it “work worth doing”. It’s one of the most fascinating parts of the process, especially if I am playing someone who really existed. It’s so exciting! Basically for me, it’s storytelling through creative authenticity, whether it’s live performance on stage, film, or television… It’s also the collaboration with the creative team involved. Becoming an integral part of that journey in bringing the truth of the story/characters to life can be very magical. Plus, to be able to tell the story so well that it moves the audience emotionally in some form or fashion… Well, that’s the cherry on top!!
Currently streaming in the top 10 on Netflix is Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s film, HITMAN, based and inspired by the Texas Monthly article written by Skip Hollandsworth about the life of undercover detective, Gary Johnson from Houston, TX. I get to play this wonderful character named Tammy opposite Glen Powell aka Nico, my Russian hitman. If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out. It’s a wild ride of twists and turns. Fascinating story! I had so much fun with that role! Not to mention working with Glen, Rick, and the whole cast and crew was simply the best of the best!
I’m also excited about three soon-to-be-released, upcoming features that currently are in Post production: Horror/Thrillers -SWEETEST DAY (Alice) directed by Doug Hawley; PSYCHOPOMP (Dr. Neil) directed by Paul Etheridge starring Olivia Macklin, and the Sci-Fi – MATTER OF TIME (Patty)directed by Jeremy Snead starring Sean Aston and Ali Aston.
Another thrilling piece of news that is currently in the works includes a very personal, passionate endeavor …A brilliantly written one-woman show “ALL ABOUT BETTE; AN INTERLUDE WITH BETTE DAVIS” by award winning playwright, Camilla Carr. This show is a must see if you love old Hollywood and want to know more about Ms Davis, her loves and losses, and how she fought the Hollywood studio system and changed the industry for women! Bringing this fierce and fearless Hollywood legend, Bette Davis to life once again, is an incredible honor. Carr’s brilliant play delves deeply into the heart, the humorous, and courageous life of the film icon, Bette Davis -one of the toughest, most talented actresses of the golden age of Hollywood. Last performed at the LOS ANGELES WOMEN”S THEATRE FESTIVAL in 2023. All I can say today is that we are in the negotiation stages of it right now, and that we, the producers and creative team are excitedly moving forward and should have solid announcements coming soon. You can follow us at www.allaboutbette.us
Stay tuned and please join us for this one!! We are all so excited!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Wow. Great question… three qualities that were most impactful for my journey…

Being Persistent. Following my instincts. Saying yes.

Persistence is key- Keep going. I once had a casting director tell me that I would never make it in this industry because I was too short. Thinking back on that moment now, really makes me giggle because had I listened to him… and followed his advice, I would never have made it to where I am today. Of course, that bit of negativity that he pushed at me about me and my career choice just made me look deeper, work harder, to find my own way. You get told “no” a lot in this profession and you eventually learn not to take it or make it personal. I learned to never take no as a final answer. If anything, it made me want to go harder, deeper, do it even more. More determined to figure it out. There has to be a way! That type of determination and thinking really works for me. It helps me to move forward. Try me. Just tell me that I can’t do something!! Hahaha!! That is the best motivator in the world for me! lol!! I am still very persistent. I have to be.

Instinct – Gut instincts can be so powerful. And mine has never led me wrong.. but the key here is to listen and follow through…Opportunities come and go in a flash in this business. My very first professional job in this industry happened when an opportunity was presented to me and I listened to my instinct. My agent sent me to a huge casting call in Waxahachie, TX. It was for Robert Benton’s film PLACES IN THE HEART. After I was seen by the casting director, I was asked to hang around because I was being considered for Sally Field’s stand-in. So, of course I said yes. I happily waited, as I watched hundreds of people come and go for this casting call. Hours and hours went by, so I finally approached the casting director. She told me that I wasn’t going to work out because I was too fair complected. I was shocked. What? Really? That’s the only reason? Well, knowing myself as a fair skinned redheaded chameleon, I had this deep gut instinct that I really needed to show them that I could look the part so I spoke up and suggested that she let me put on some foundation and mascara, knowing full well that would change my look completely. She hesitated and then she said OK , be here first thing tomorrow morning with foundation and mascara on. The cinematographer will be here to see you, along with 5 other girls he was looking at to be Sally’s stand in. YES! Game on! Can you guess what happened? I showed up, as I said I would, and the brilliant cinematographer, the late Nestor Almendros, took one look at me, smiled at me, and chose me to be Sally Field’s stand-in. Sally won the Oscar for Best Actress, Robert Benton won for Best Original Screenplay, and Nestor Almendros called me his little discovery, every single day of that shoot. 6 days a week, 14 hours a day, come snow, ice, rain or shine. I was on that set with Sally Field, Danny Glover, and John Malkovitch. Watching Sally Field work, day and night bringing her truth, her emotional, passionate hard core work ethic, not to mention her brilliance, was awe inspiring. I learned so much by being there and watching her work. There I was, a baby, a newbie in the business, dressed in matching clothes, as they set the lights and camera on me right before every scene she was in… watching her work and rehearse was like having a personal one on one masterclass with Sally Field. I took every single moment in. I studied, I listened, I stayed present and I soaked it all in. There was no question in my mind, I felt at home. I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life. That film, that cast and that amazing crew started it all for me. They made me feel whole. They challenged me, accepted me, loved me, embraced me…my first film family. I am home, as last. Follow your instincts. Be Persistent. And Speak Up. It could change your life.

Saying yes is also key. It’s a mindset. It takes practice. We can easily talk ourselves out of anything, especially if we are afraid. So, how do you break this mindset of being afraid to say yes?
For me, saying yes is something I learned how to do in order to survive. Saying yes meant, possibly a new adventure ahead. So why not? Turns out…Change turned out to by my saving grace. It gave me something to look forward to… Change meant good things could happen. Anything is possible with change. Break the routine. Change it up. But you have to say yes first. When you take the attitude of gratitude, especially amidst difficulties, and you just say yes… the whole world opens up. I always ask myself these two questions if I find myself immediately saying no to something.
Am I saying no because it is dangerous to me, my loved ones, or my health? Well then, that is a great reason to say no. It’s actually a yes to the no! See what I did there? OR… Am I saying no because I am afraid? Afraid of what? The Unknown? then I need to absolutely say YES!!!
Try it for a month and see what happens. It’s crazy. Let the power of yes be your guide. It will blow your mind. I truly love what I do and it’s an amazing, always changing, often challenging adventure to be able to live your life as an artist. So, if this is you… please take from my experiences what you want, what works for you, what inspires and motivates you and feel free to leave the rest behind. Thankful for every moment that I get to do what I love, I continue to work hard at being the best that I can be. That said, I do realize that the actors life/artist’s lifestyle is not for everyone and that’s totally cool, too.

To those folks who are early in their journey, whatever career path you are on, whatever excites you, whatever you are truly passionate about and lights your soul on fire, and if any of what I’ve shared resonates or inspires you to keep going… My heart is exploding with joy for you! Just keep saying yes to new things. It’s pretty amazing! It really all begins with you.
Allowing yourself to be inspired. Starting the journey. Loving yourself enough to do what it takes to open that door. Then, once you’ve opened that door…watch what opportunities open up for you. In the meantime, you can put yourself in places to be even more inspired. Go see live theater. Watch great movies. Watch bad movies. Who are your favorite actors? Start watching them, studying them. Audition for theater, take classes, workshops with casting directors, watch actors in action, watch dancers in action, study human behavior around you,(great character studies are all around us). Do whatever it takes. Get on a film set as an extra, better yet, if you get the chance to be a stand-in on a film, take it. You will learn so much just by being on set! Take what you need and leave the rest. Be persistent. Show up. Say yes. Keep going. Say yes. Say yes. Say yes. Surround yourself with love and passionate artists. Remember to always trust and listen to your gut instincts. It will happen, if it’s what you really want because you will do the work and the doors will open. I am proof.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Another great question! Our industry is going through a lot of big changes. We had the pandemic shut down everything, writers strikes, actors strikes, IATSE negotiations with possible strikes, AI, (which is really changing our whole industry) as we speak. Not to mention, all the newest obstacles and continuing challenges with streaming platforms, new media, social media, etc… Who knows what’s ahead for our industry? It’s a continuously changing industry. That said, my top priority during this crucial time of change, is to continue to do what’s necessary for me to stay on top of my craft, honing my skills, doing the work that I need to do, personally and professionally, to be at my very best, so that when the work opportunities happen, in spite of all of the obstacles that are being hurled at the industry as we know it, I can confidently rise above all of the noise and distractions, do the work that needs to be done and bring it, being the best that I know that I can be. I’m so grateful. There’s nothing like it…doing the work. Work brings work. I’m surrounding myself with like minded artists and love. Giving back. Being present. Sharpening my tools. Focusing. Getting back in great shape mentally and physically. It’s a lot of hard work and discipline that I believe is very important and totally worth it. Work worth doing. I’m learning. I’m growing. I’m getting stronger. I’m excited! Meeting lots of incredible new people. The industry is shifting, so I’m shifting. Transforming! Ready, set, GO! Anything can happen! YES! I’m excited for what’s next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imdb.me/MorganaShaw
• Instagram: @momogana
• Facebook: Morgana Shaw
• Twitter: @ShawMorgana
• Other: https://www.allaboutbette.us All About Bette; An Interlude with Bette Davis website

Image Credits

Headshots & Bette Davis publicity shots by Joy Brinkley Waits