Meet Shannon Altner | Actor, Filmmaker and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Altner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, how do you think about risk?
Risk is an inherent part of both the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship as a whole. I’ve always believed in the mindset of “no risk, no reward.” That said, embracing creative risk can be especially challenging—at times it doesn’t lead to financial gain or recognition. To move through that, I try to reframe the idea of reward: it’s not just about the outcome, but about the process itself. The act of taking a leap, trusting yourself, and committing to the next bold move—that’s the real reward. By focusing on the process rather than the result, the pressure eases, and you’re often able to show up and perform more fully in your work. Of course, that’s always easier said than done.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I call myself a multi-passionate creative: actor, producer, filmmaker, photographer, marketer, storyteller, collaborator, and leader. I thrive when working with a team—leading or co-creating stories that center on empathy and community building. My work often carries a feminist lens, sometimes veers into the dark and playful, and occasionally shows up in the form of social media content designed to strengthen real-world connections.

As an actor, I’ve found my rhythm in classical theater, Shakespeare, political work, and comedy. From being a spokeswoman in “the dog commercial” to just wrapping an ambitious lead role in a local short film, I enjoy being in front of the camera as well. I’m especially passionate about creating work that is accessible to all. I had the joy of acting with the Denver Center’s educational tour ‘Shakespeare In The Parking Lot’ for three seasons and serve as both a performer and board member with ‘Shakespeare In The Wild’, a company that offers free, professional Shakespeare performances to the Centennial community. If you’re looking for someone grounded, emotionally open, and deeply collaborative, I’m your person.

Growing up in a politically engaged household deeply influenced my values. I’m proud to have been recognized for my performance in Benchmark Theater’s ‘Our American Cousin: A Nation Divided’, a production that explored the events of the January 6th insurrection. In it, I portrayed a range of recognizable Republicans and media figures—including Lauren Boebert, Kimberly Guilfoyle, and others.
As I continue to grow as an artist, I remain committed to creating work that invites reflection, fosters community, and sparks meaningful political dialogue.

One of my biggest periods of growth came during the pandemic. I pulled together a wonderfully ragtag crew for the 48 Hour Film Project—and in one of those rare, magical moments where everything just clicked, our film ‘U-Bus’ won first place. We had zero expectations, and I truly believe that’s where the best work often lives. From that experience, our film collective Party People Say Yeah was born. Most recently, we’ve written a pilot that we’re hoping to bring into production. While the projects and accolades are exciting, what I’m most proud of is being part of a creative circle that shows up, supports and inspires one another. That’s the kind of collaboration I want to continue, in whatever form it takes.

The challenge: Trust yourself and become your own biggest fan. Take care for your nervous system and give yourself grace on the days you can’t show up at 100%. Patience and Determination.
The lesson: Work hard and be kind. Carry integrity in all you do—that’s who people want to grow and build with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, this is fun.

Breakfast – Onefold (18th ave location), Rosenbergs (I love a good bagel), The Cookery
Coffee Shop/Bakery – Weathervane, Banh & Butter
Cocktails and Bars – ESP HiFi, Sputnik, Pon Pon, My Brother’s Bar, Fort Greene Bar
Dinner – Joy Hill (watch the sunset), Tokio (late night), Coperta, Aloy Thai, La Dona, Barcelona
Entertainment – Second Hand Clothing Shopping on South Broadway, Meow Wolf, Go See Live Performance! (So many good spots – Mercury Cafe, HiDive, DCPA, Curious Theatre, People’s Building… immersive work is solid out here as well like Control Group Productions), Walk Confluence Park and Wash Park, Show at Red Rocks, Dancing is tricky…. follow House Social, Love Language, check the music at Beacon
Outdoor Activities – SUP Chatfield, Walk Bear Creek

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be anywhere without my creative community. Before I landed in Denver, I took a cross-country road trip and found myself standing at the top of a mountain in Yosemite. I was feeling lost at the time, unsure of my path, when a quiet thought came to me as I looked out over the vast landscape: “You’re an actor.”

Anyone who has stepped into this art form knows how exhilarating and addictive it can be to be fully present with others inside imaginary circumstances—but it’s also a lifestyle filled with rejection, uncertainty, and deep self-reflection. My dedication to the craft has ebbed and flowed as I’ve prioritized my mental health, made space for all the different parts of who I am, including my different passions and interests.

Since that moment on the mountaintop, it’s been my community that has nurtured the artist in me and encouraged me to keep going. From the halls of the Denver Center to the wonderfully quirky film collective Party People Say Yeah, to the many collaborators and friends I’ve met along the way—these people have been my compass. In both the challenging and bountiful seasons, it’s that creative community that has sustained me – and there has been plenty on both sides of that spectrum.

Website: https://shannonaltner.com

Instagram: instagram.com/shannonaltner (denver account), instagram.com/with_shay__ (travel account)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-altner/

Other: https://www.partypeople.productions/

Image Credits
Susannah McLeod, McLeod9 Creative
Julianna Photography
Yellow Banana Photography
Bahy Ghoneim
Green Lion Images