Life & Work with Shannon Bengston of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Bengston.

Hi Shannon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have loved theatre for as long as I can remember. It started when my family took me to see The Phantom of the Opera at a far too impressionable age, sparking a lifelong passion of theatre, horror, and morally complex masked men.

Growing up in Antwerp, Belgium, I had the privilege to attend a school with a strong acting program which forced me to come out of my shell and develop a real passion for the arts. Later, when my family moved back to the U.S., I enrolled at the University of Redlands, a school known for both its liberal arts education and strong theatre department. While there, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad at the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA), which cemented my decision to pursue a career in the arts.

After graduating, and taking a brief detour into the world of heavy-duty truck manufacturing, I moved to Los Angeles. I got my start in the entertainment industry through the Paramount Page Program, where I made my first real connections. Those connections led me into stand-up comedy, a new creative outlet that opened even more doors.

Since then, the journey has been a wild and rewarding one. I’ve acted and worked on a wide range of projects around the city, started writing and producing short horror films, and continue performing stand-up around town. Most recently, I wrapped filming Forever, a new Netflix series set to premiere this May, and I just completed my first feature length screenplay, which I’m preparing to produce.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all, but I think that’s true for most creatives.
One of my biggest struggles was starting from scratch. I didn’t know anyone in the industry when I moved to LA. I come from a wonderfully supportive family, of accountants, but there weren’t any artists to show me the ropes. As an introvert, putting myself out there to build connections was incredibly challenging at first.

Over time, I found my footing and my community. I co-founded a Women in Film group (W.R.A.P.) to help other women build authentic, low-pressure connections. So often, traditional networking events come with an unspoken pressure to be “interesting” or “impressive.” We wanted to create a space where women could just be themselves.

Another major hurdle was learning to believe in myself. For a long time, I had big ideas but found myself almost gatekeeping my own creativity, thinking I needed to prove something before I was allowed to succeed. Maybe it comes with growing up, experience, or a little bit of both, but I’ve realized that mindset simply isn’t true.
This industry is tough enough without carrying around a negative narrative in your own head. You are enough. Just make “The Thing.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in horror comedy, which tends to surprise people when they meet me, since I come across as very bubbly. But underneath it, I’m a total horror fanatic. Anything I create, whether it’s a film or a stand-up set, has to have a dark edge to it.

I’m especially proud of my horror short films. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a project come to life from the first page of the script to the final edit.

One thing that sets me apart in the horror world is my strong focus on female driven stories. Traditionally, women in horror have often been relegated to the role of victims. Only more recently have we started to see that narrative shift. I love being part of the movement promoting new, dynamic voices for women in horror, showing characters who are complex, powerful, and unexpected.

The second thing that defines my work is my commitment to blending comedy with horror. Even in the most gruesome, unsettling short, I’ll find a way to weave in at least one funny line. I believe horror and comedy are like yin and yang, when they’re balanced well, they elevate each other and create something truly unforgettable. I encourage anyone who is looking to explore this balance, create some terrifying or just co-create to reach-out: @ssbengston

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big fan of the BBC podcasts, they help me stay up-to-date on world events. For entertainment industry news, I love The Business with Kim Masters, it’s a great way to keep an ear out for what’s happening behind the scenes. And for acting advice and real world tips, Audrey Helps Actors is the podcast I always recommend. It’s honest, super helpful, and feels like getting advice from a friend who’s a few steps ahead.

Lately, I’ve gotten a little obsessed with everything the public library has to offer. I use the Libby app all the time, it’s basically Audible, but free! I also take advantage of the library’s classes, everything from language learning to random deep dives that help me research for projects and just expand my world a little.

On the personal side, my husky and I are huge fans of AllTrails. Getting outside helps me reset when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Hiking reminds me not to sweat the small stuff… and AllTrails makes sure I don’t get totally lost.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5239652/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_shannon%2520beng
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ssbengston/