Shantez M. Tolbut

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT SHANTEZ M. TOLBUT

Shantez M. Tolbut (aka Shae Marie) is a multi-hyphenate in theatre, event production, and education with over a decade of experience in facilitation, curriculum development, and arts management. She has worked primarily in charter schools serving at-risk students in inclusive classrooms, as well as with regional and international arts education nonprofits. In event production, Tolbut has built a career as a non-union stage manager, collaborating with renowned arts organizations and venues nationwide, including National Black Theatre, Black Ensemble Theater, The Public Theater, The Flea Theater, Audible Theater, Ballet Hispánico, Octopus Theatricals, Live & In Color Productions, and Production Glue. As a playwright and performing artist, Tolbut investigates the Black experience through Black femme lens. She is the 2022 Lorraine Hansberry Writing Award recipient through the Next Wave Initiative, founded by Broadway playwright Douglas Lyons. Her play Blue InGreen received a workshop reading produced by St. Francis College and Black Stage Everything Productions in 2022. Currently, Tolbut is a Contributing Writer for Theatre Communications Group, works in education-based nonprofits to support college and career readiness for gifted students, develops and produces her own creative projects, and manages events in various production roles. She was the Founder and CEO of Black Stage Everything, which disbanded in 2023. BA-Northeastern Illinois University | MFA-St. Francis College Shantez\'s areas of expertise include: Creative Writing Stage Management Curriculum Development NPO leadership Arts Administration Classical and Jazz trained Vocalist Live Performance Theatre Production Program Management Communication:(Editing, Public Speaking, Workshop Facilitator) Audience and Community Engagement Relationship Building Partnerships Network Creation Multicultural environments that embody a diverse spectrum of backgrounds and needs Teaching/Facilitation