Shannan is sought after as a Comedic Director, Writer and Show Creator. Her intimate approach allows artists to push the boundaries of what’s acceptable and encourages them to work at their greatest potential. She has collaborated with artists in internationally acclaimed companies Circus Oz, Legs on the Wall, Circus Monoxide, Circus WOW, Crazy Horse Paris, Spiegelworld, and Cirque du Soleil.
Fifth Annual One Night for One Drop
Photo by John Anthony Rohling
Some of the biggest names in entertainment came together to support the fifth annual One Night for One Drop event created and directed by Nicky and Laetitia Dewhurst, raising funds and awareness to benefit critical water issues worldwide. Held inside the Zumanity Theatre at New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, the star-studded event featured performances by multi-platinum selling vocal group The Tenors and Emmy Award-winning actor William Shatner, with additional performances by America's Got Talent (AGT) winner Grace VanderWaal, GRAMMY®-nominated rapper Redfoo from the Party Rock Crew, AGT finalist Malevo and more.
Calcutt, alongside her husband Darren Pitura, was a character guide and writer for the one-night only charity performance. Calcutt co-wrote the dialogue for the trio of lead characters played by acclaimed artists Jimmy Slonina, Alan Silva and Maxim Fotmitchev, assisted in developing their characters and coached all of their scenes in this unforgettable production. "Shannan is very serious about the art of comedy. Working under her intuitive and thoughtful comic direction on 2017's One Night for One Drop, she gave me the confidence to deeply humanize an otherwise ridiculous and complex lead character. Thanks to Shannan, that performance sealed the deal for one producer to later present me with a prestigious stage award. One should be lucky to work with such a fierce and funny collaborator."
-Jimmy Slonina
Lead Character, ONOD, 2017 (Mystere, Zarkana, Kooza) Zumanity
The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil
Calcutt and comedic partner Nicky Dewhurst designed and directed Zumanity's 3 comic acts: "Sex Toys", "Light" & "Vegas Hook Up". Calcutt's act "Scotch Baggies!" co-written with Sue Morrison, is the only solo act written and performed by a female comedian in Cirque du Soleil’s 30-year history. In 2015 Calcutt co-wrote the new script for Zumanity's Mistress of Sensuality, Edie, with acclaimed writer Jamie Morris. Part burlesque and part cabaret, Zumanity is a sexy thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics and naughty fun!
Copyright: Cirque du Soleil
Photography : Giuliano Bekor
Costumes : Thierry Mugler
“I had the amazing opportunity to work with Shannan during Zumanity’s “refresh” when Cirque hired her to write new dialogue for me. I immediately felt safe putting my character into her hands. This process gave me wonderful insight into her brilliantly creative, whacky, witty mind. She never runs out of funny. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.”- Christopher Kenney
EDIE, the emcee of Cirque du Soleil’s ZUMANITY One Night for One Drop
Calcutt was the Comedic Director, Writer and Acting Coach for the inaugural One Night for One Drop Show (ONOD), a one-night only charity performance directed by Krista Monson for Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté's ONE DROP foundation. Calcutt wrote and directed the featured Comedy Act, "A Great Catch!" and co-wrote the script for Alex the Complacent, ONOD's lead character, with writer Darren Pitura. Featured in USA Today ’10 Best Annual Events in Las Vegas’, it is the only show where world-renowned guests perform alongside Cirque du Soleil artists such as Leona Lewis, John Legend, Lindsey Stirling, The Tenors and Jackie Evancho. With at ticket price of $1500, the event has raised $17.6 million since 2013 to support One Drop’s Mission.
“For the first One Night for One Drop, I had a blank canvas and some crazy, ambitious ideas. The stakes were high and we felt it. Shannan was one of the first I approached to create THE clown act and work on the dramatic arc of the show, mainly with the lead character and the comedic rhythm of the piece. Her character Izzy brought the house down. In short, what she set out to do, she did - brilliantly. I thank her forever for making me laugh throughout the process and never allowing me to forget why we do what we do.”
- Krista Monson
Creator & Director, One Night for One Drop The Penny Pibbets Show
Calcutt and comedic performer Penny Pibbets raised over $27,000 through their Kickstarter campaign to co-create & co-produce Penny's premiere solo show The Penny Pibbets Show. Directed by Calcutt, the show enjoyed critical acclaim and a 3 week run at Las Vegas’ Art Square Theatre.
http://www.pennypibbets.com 
“Las Vegas has never experienced such strange, unconventional comedy as this and probably never will again.”
- Robin Leach, LAS VEGAS SUN
"I've never felt so dangerous on stage and yet comforted at the same time. Shannan is an amazing director who'll never let you feel alone onstage. She gave me the support I needed in my solo show to always be present and battle the fears I've had deep down for years. She gives you the tools to be a warrior."- Penny Pibbets
The Penny Pibbets Show |