We are continuing to highlight the cast and crew of the hit show Bronx SIU. Bronx SIU is our first show we are featuring in our #Don’tSleepOnDigital Series. Our first interview was with the, dynamic duo, Dan Garcia Creator/Producer and Mike Mayhall Writer/Director of the show. If you missed it check it out here.
Our next feature in the series is Shanti Lowry who stars in the show. What a treat to talk to Shanti! She’s such a delight!
Shanti is multi-talented; singer, actor, dancer, painter, in a word Shanti is an artist. She has worked in TV (The Game, Family Time, Two and Half Men, The Closer) and in film (Charles Angles: Full Throttle, D.E.B.S.) She started her professional career as a professional dancer; salsa, hip hop and pointe. What you might not know is Shanti has also written, produced and directed. An artist who does it all.
Shanti was born in Boulder, CO. She is from humble beginnings, a single mom family. Their family “struggled alot.” Their family struggles were limited to fiscal struggles because after speaking to Shanti it was crystal clear that while growing up she was rich in every way that really mattered. Her family, imparticularly her mom, gave Shanti a firm foundation in Education and in the Arts. “My Mom was a teacher. Education was always important to her and she believed the Arts was a vital part of an education. At a very early age, she put me in acting, singing and dancing classes. I also love to paint. I feel like gardening is an art form. She cultivated my love for all Arts that still persist. She instilled that in me at a very young age.”
Shanti was paying close attention and absorbing all that her mom was imparting to her. At the age of eleven, she was equipped and prepared to take her own first step toward the successful career she enjoys today. Shanti’s first step is one of those feel good stories we can never get enough of. Her mom loves this story (we do too). Shanti’s mom, this one is for you. ” I was eleven years old and I saw an article in the newspaper that they were looking for kids to be in a community play. I got a bus schedule and a bus pass. I stole a book of monologues from a friend’s house. I don’t know why I stole it when I could have asked. Laughter. I went to the audition with a Polaroid picture that I took off the wall at my house. I went in there confidently. I did my audition for Colored Girls Who Consider Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf. It was a very dramatic scene. I got the part. The kicker was I had to go home and explain to my mom that I just booked a three month role in a play and I had to be there every night. You know, my mom was all about it and proud of the initiative I took. She made it work and it was a very good experience for me. I absolutely fell in love with the entire process. I loved the feeling of community. I loved talking about art, emotion and about being artistic. Those three months really shaped me.”
All of Shanti’s lessons and experiences primed her to make her first critical decision regarding her career. “I graduated high school early when I had just turned 17. I had a choice to make. I had an opportunity to dance at a ballet dance company in New York and I also had a chance to move to L.A. to dance commercially for videos and films. I moved to L.A. because I knew ultimately I wanted to be an actress and I thought moving to L.A. would be an easier transition.”
We first met Shanti as the sassy “in your face” publicist, Dionne Taylor from The Game. Shanti does consider this her first break out role. “I probably consider Dionne my break out role mainly because that is what most people know me and recognize me from first. I definitely worked before that. That role was quite an education for me so I’m very honored that it is considered my first break out role. The show had such incredibly talented producers, writers and actors. And had wonderful fans. It was a great experience.” We shared with Shanti how much we loved Dionne. It’s no small feat to standout in a scene with Tasha Mack (That is “Tasha, Mack” putting up the hands for emphasis like Tasha would LOL). But Dionne did it often. Shanti calls Wendy Raquel Robinson “Queen”. Yes, Ms. Robinson is! And what about the always entertaining relationship and scenes between Dionne and Melanie Barrett, enemies turned frenemies? We have one word for you, popcorn. We loved all the actors and characters and we adored The Game.
There is no maybe about it. They all did a spectacular job and it paid off in spades. It had to. When a show is helmed by a dynamic duo of, Dan Garcia and Mike Mayhall, and then combined with a great cast and crew; how could it not? We asked Shanti about working with Dan and Mike. Although since we recently had the chance to speak to them we already had a pretty good idea. “It is great. Dan and Mike are geniuses no doubt but they also listen which is a rare combination. Sometimes when you are a visionary and know what you are talking about you often don’t want to hear other people’s opinions. And that can be detrimental. But Dan and Mike like me understand the more opinions, the more ideas, the better the product will be at the end. They come with their own brilliant ideas and then they say “what else?” They look at everybody and they listen to everybody and that’s why the show is so great.”
Shanti wanted to make sure to tell all of her fans that she is so grateful and thankful for their continued love and support.
Make sure you look out for MISHA coming soon!
And make sure you binge Season 2 of Bronx SIU. If you haven’t seen any of it yet, binge Season 1 and Season 2!
Best of Luck Shanti!
I AM KP Smith
Leave a Reply