Shannan Leigh Yancsurak
- Actress
- Producer
Shannan Leigh Yancsurak was born and grew up in Akron, Ohio, the youngest child of Lorene (Taylor) and Don Haddox, both retired Academics. She is of Irish, German and French decent from her mother's side and Scottish, Irish and German decent from her father's side.
Shannan spent most of her childhood as a competitive gymnast and was ranked Regionally and Nationally for a short time. Her dreams of training with the famed Karolyis and going to the Olympics died when her parents said No to her moving to Texas alone at 16. Still full of an incredible amount of energy and ambition she turned to soccer and running. Shannan spent 4 years playing soccer at The University of Mount Union, where her all-time scoring record was recently broken (now shared). She also spent a great deal of time with her Sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, serving in various leadership positions as well as president president. She was honored to travel as a representative of Alpha Delta Pi for philanthropic activities for The Ronald McDonald House, academic and chapter awards.
While in college it was a theatre arts elective that made her question the Biology/Sports Medicine degree she was pursuing. Shannan finished out undergrad with a BS and later went on to receive a Masters degree from Chatham University. After graduate school Shannan married her college sweetheart, Lonnie Yancsurak. Shannan went on to study acting at The Action Theatre Conservatory, with an emphasis in theatre and improvisation. While in NYC she concentrated on theatre and comedy. Some favorite early roles were: Annie Sullivan ( The Miracle Worker), Mistress Page (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Lisabette (Anton in Show Business), Madge Owens (Picnic) and a number of characters from The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. Also while in NY she worked on several national and regional commercials and some small independent films. Later the move to LA happened. She is a graduate from The Second City Conservatory Program, LA and she still performs live with an award winning Improvisation group, the Captains of Industry.
Auditioning and bookings keep Shannan busy creatively and professionally, but it is her family with Lonnie that occupies most of her time. They have 3 children (Bodie, Beckett and Evie) and large Labraddodle. They can be found at the beach or on a trail.
Shannan spent most of her childhood as a competitive gymnast and was ranked Regionally and Nationally for a short time. Her dreams of training with the famed Karolyis and going to the Olympics died when her parents said No to her moving to Texas alone at 16. Still full of an incredible amount of energy and ambition she turned to soccer and running. Shannan spent 4 years playing soccer at The University of Mount Union, where her all-time scoring record was recently broken (now shared). She also spent a great deal of time with her Sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, serving in various leadership positions as well as president president. She was honored to travel as a representative of Alpha Delta Pi for philanthropic activities for The Ronald McDonald House, academic and chapter awards.
While in college it was a theatre arts elective that made her question the Biology/Sports Medicine degree she was pursuing. Shannan finished out undergrad with a BS and later went on to receive a Masters degree from Chatham University. After graduate school Shannan married her college sweetheart, Lonnie Yancsurak. Shannan went on to study acting at The Action Theatre Conservatory, with an emphasis in theatre and improvisation. While in NYC she concentrated on theatre and comedy. Some favorite early roles were: Annie Sullivan ( The Miracle Worker), Mistress Page (The Merry Wives of Windsor), Lisabette (Anton in Show Business), Madge Owens (Picnic) and a number of characters from The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged. Also while in NY she worked on several national and regional commercials and some small independent films. Later the move to LA happened. She is a graduate from The Second City Conservatory Program, LA and she still performs live with an award winning Improvisation group, the Captains of Industry.
Auditioning and bookings keep Shannan busy creatively and professionally, but it is her family with Lonnie that occupies most of her time. They have 3 children (Bodie, Beckett and Evie) and large Labraddodle. They can be found at the beach or on a trail.
