Connor Shields is a Philadelphia based theatre artist, educator, and goofball. He is a graduate of Rowan University with a BA in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Pre-Teaching, and minors in Creative Writing and Dance as well as a MST in K-12 Theatre Education. After finishing school in New Jersey, he moved back home to Bucks County to work at the historic Walnut Street Theatre as the Education Apprentice during the 2025-2026 season.
My Story
Heyo!
My name is Connor and I’m a Theatre Artist based in Philadelphia, PA. I got my first taste of the performing arts when joining the elementary school orchestra, playing (or was it squeaking…?) violin. Joining various choirs soon after, I spent much of my formative years growing and nurturing my love for music and the performing arts.
During my freshman year of high school, I caught the theatre bug while on a choir concert tour of the UK. We had the amazing opportunity to see the West End production of “The Phantom of the Opera” and I was hooked. Walking out of the theatre, I knew I had to get onstage ASAP. A few months later and I got to be in my high school’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” and I’ve never looked back!
In my ten years of doing theatre, I’ve had incredible opportunities working and performing all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. My training at Rowan University gave me the opportunity to develop of refine my artistry while working with an incredible array of friends and professors inspring me to become not just a better artist but a better person. As an actor I approach my work from a place of joy, curiosity, and whimsey. Getting to play “make-believe” for a living is an absolute delight and I try to capture that in all I do.
My love of theatre has also brought out a love of teaching. I’ve been able to teach at schools and theatre companies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and I cannot think of something more fulfilling. Passing along my love and passion of the arts to young artists, helping them grow into their own artistry, and seeing them adapt these skills to non-theatrical avenues has been a wonderful experience and I know that teaching will always be apart of my life.
While I may not know what my next steps are in this crazy and incredible journey, I know that no matter where I end up I’ll have a blast singing songs, making art, and slaying the day away. Hopefully we can collaborate and work together on creating something special!