Shana Carroll
Latest News on Shana Carroll:
BIO
SHANA CARROLL is co-founding artistic director of Montreal's Les 7 Doigts de la Main (7 Fingers circus company), where she has directed and choreographed the company's major touring shows, including Traces (Drama Desk nomination), Sequence 8, Loft, La Vie, Le Murmure du Coquelicot, Cuisine & Confessions, and Psy. Shana also created the circus show of Queen of the Night at the Diamond Horseshoe in New York, which won the Drama Desk award for Unique Theatrical Experience.
In addition to her work within 7 Fingers, Shana's circus choreography includes the Cirque du Soleil performance at the 84th Annual Academy Awards (2012), the acrobatic design and choreography of Cirque du Soleil's IRIS, and creation of four gold-medal winning acts at the Festival de Cirque de Demain. A former trapeze artist, Shana performed for 20 years in the air, including seven years as original solo trapeze artist for Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco (1994-2001).
Photos
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Choreography
Shana CarrollWater for Elephants
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Choreography (Broadway or Off-Broadway)
Shana CarrollWater for Elephants
Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Choreography
Shana CarrollWater for Elephants
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Choreography
Shana CarrollTraces
Videos
Video: Ben Joins the Circus with Choreo from WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
by Joey Mervis - 2024-05-30 12:07:46
Video: Songwriting Team For Broadway's WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Performs 'Anywhere'
by Stephi Wild - 2023-10-27 10:04:30
TV Exclusive: Meet the Creators of QUEEN OF THE NIGHT- Spotlight on Shana Carroll
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-05-23 13:00:01
News
Tickets for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in Seattle to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2026
Tickets for the North American tour of Water for Elephants in Seattle will go on sale this week. Water for Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 13, 2026
Tickets for the North American tour of Water for Elephants in Seattle will go on sale this week. Water for Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed and New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen.
Interview: Jesse Robb & Shana Carroll of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jul 5, 2026
Canadian-born Jesse Robb and American-born Shana Carroll, who now resides in Montréal, serve as co-choreographers on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water for Elephants, presented at Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre from July 7-19.
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jul 5, 2026
Canadian-born Jesse Robb and American-born Shana Carroll, who now resides in Montréal, serve as co-choreographers on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water for Elephants, presented at Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre from July 7-19.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Tour at Broadway In Chicago
by Rachel Weinberg - Jun 25, 2026
The Water for Elephants tour transports audiences to the circus — and has some dazzling aerial tricks up its sleeve. Based on the popular 2006 novel by Sara Gruen, Rick Elice’s book and PigPen Theatre Co.’s score comprise a memory musical: The elderly Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully) looks back on his days as a member of a traveling circus back in 1931.
by Rachel Weinberg - Jun 25, 2026
The Water for Elephants tour transports audiences to the circus — and has some dazzling aerial tricks up its sleeve. Based on the popular 2006 novel by Sara Gruen, Rick Elice’s book and PigPen Theatre Co.’s score comprise a memory musical: The elderly Mr. Jankowski (Robert Tully) looks back on his days as a member of a traveling circus back in 1931.
Cast Set for THE ATTIC: THINGS I’VE SEEN WHILE LYING ON MY BACK at The Goodman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 24, 2026
Talent from around the world is coming to to The Goodman for its 2026/2027 Season opening production. Performed by The 7 Fingers, Tony Award-nominated Shana Carroll debuts her new work, The Attic: Things I’ve Seen While Lying on My Back
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 24, 2026
Talent from around the world is coming to to The Goodman for its 2026/2027 Season opening production. Performed by The 7 Fingers, Tony Award-nominated Shana Carroll debuts her new work, The Attic: Things I’ve Seen While Lying on My Back
Interview: Paige Parkhill, Associate Choreographer of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jun 21, 2026
Paige Parkhill, who hails from Kelowna, B.C., serves as Associate Choreographer on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water For Elephants, coming to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre next month.
by Elizabeth Armstrong - Jun 21, 2026
Paige Parkhill, who hails from Kelowna, B.C., serves as Associate Choreographer on the Tony Award-nominated musical Water For Elephants, coming to Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre next month.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The Overture Center
by Scott Rawson - Jun 17, 2026
I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants far more than I thought I would. I came to the theater fearing the puppetry of the elephant would over shadow the actors. While it was spectacular, it did not over shadow the actors and for that I am grateful. And in an effort of full disclosure, admittedly, I also really hate the circus. No need to judge, just offering a little vulnerability here. Still, in spite of that I enjoyed the performance a great deal.
by Scott Rawson - Jun 17, 2026
I truly enjoyed Water for Elephants far more than I thought I would. I came to the theater fearing the puppetry of the elephant would over shadow the actors. While it was spectacular, it did not over shadow the actors and for that I am grateful. And in an effort of full disclosure, admittedly, I also really hate the circus. No need to judge, just offering a little vulnerability here. Still, in spite of that I enjoyed the performance a great deal.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Make Wisconsin Debut at Madison's Overture Center
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, will make its Wisconsin premiere at Overture Hall in Madison.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, the Broadway musical based on Sara Gruen's bestselling novel, will make its Wisconsin premiere at Overture Hall in Madison.
JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, AMERICAN IDIOT and More Set for Goodman Theatre 26/27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins have revealed the 2026/2027 Season line-up, beginning this fall. With 12 productions—five world or Chicago premieres, a reinvestigated classic and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins have revealed the 2026/2027 Season line-up, beginning this fall. With 12 productions—five world or Chicago premieres, a reinvestigated classic and more.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at TPAC'S Jackson Hall
by Catherine Burford - May 14, 2026
All I knew about Water For Elephants was that it is a romantic drama set in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. I expected a circus with a rich color palette, beautiful costumes, acrobatics, and an elephant.
by Catherine Burford - May 14, 2026
All I knew about Water For Elephants was that it is a romantic drama set in a traveling circus during the Great Depression. I expected a circus with a rich color palette, beautiful costumes, acrobatics, and an elephant.
Club Fugazi to Celebrate Pride Month With DEAR SAN FRANCISCO: THE PRIDE EDITION
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2026
In celebration of Pride Month, Club Fugazi will present Dear San Francisco: The Pride Edition. Throughout June, audiences will experience a rotating lineup of special guests during the show, as well as Pride-themed culinary experiences.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 11, 2026
In celebration of Pride Month, Club Fugazi will present Dear San Francisco: The Pride Edition. Throughout June, audiences will experience a rotating lineup of special guests during the show, as well as Pride-themed culinary experiences.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre
by Michael Rabice - Apr 15, 2026
Sometimes people really do run away and join the circus. Author Sara Gruen had great success with that idea in her award winning novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, and Hollywood soon after took the story to the silver screen. Now a Broadway musical has hopped on the bandwagon and the result is often a often a captivating three ring circus of intrigue.
by Michael Rabice - Apr 15, 2026
Sometimes people really do run away and join the circus. Author Sara Gruen had great success with that idea in her award winning novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, and Hollywood soon after took the story to the silver screen. Now a Broadway musical has hopped on the bandwagon and the result is often a often a captivating three ring circus of intrigue.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Proctors
by Peyton VanDerheyden - Apr 9, 2026
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is dazzling audiences with extraordinary theatrics, creative visual concepts, and emotional moments. Adapted from the New York Times bestselling novel, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS has a book written by Rick Elice, and features a score by PigPen Theatre Co.
by Peyton VanDerheyden - Apr 9, 2026
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is dazzling audiences with extraordinary theatrics, creative visual concepts, and emotional moments. Adapted from the New York Times bestselling novel, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS has a book written by Rick Elice, and features a score by PigPen Theatre Co.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour is Coming to Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will arrive at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre this April, bringing Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel to life with a Tony-nominated creative team and an award-winning Broadway production. Tickets are on sale now.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will arrive at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre this April, bringing Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel to life with a Tony-nominated creative team and an award-winning Broadway production. Tickets are on sale now.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Make Canadian Premiere in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
Mirvish Productions will present the Canadian premiere of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in 2026, bringing the beloved novel to the stage in a highly anticipated theatrical adaptation.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
Mirvish Productions will present the Canadian premiere of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS in 2026, bringing the beloved novel to the stage in a highly anticipated theatrical adaptation.
Review: High-Flying Feats in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at the Denver Center
by Jon Bee - Feb 12, 2026
The national tour of Water for Elephants is the latest show to stop at DCPA as it makes its way across the country. I only just last year read the novel by Sara Gruen followed quickly by the feature film starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.
by Jon Bee - Feb 12, 2026
The national tour of Water for Elephants is the latest show to stop at DCPA as it makes its way across the country. I only just last year read the novel by Sara Gruen followed quickly by the feature film starring Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Musical Set for June Debut at Madison's Overture Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will play Overture Hall in Madison from June 16–21. Based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the Broadway musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
The North American tour of Water for Elephants will play Overture Hall in Madison from June 16–21. Based on the bestselling novel by Sara Gruen, the Broadway musical features a book by Rick Elice and a score by PigPen Theatre Co.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour Comes To Zions Bank Broadway At The Eccles
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2026
The highly anticipated musical adaptation of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is set to captivate audiences at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. This new production brings the beloved novel to life with stunning performances and breathtaking stagecraft. Tickets for the show, which promises to be a major theatrical event, are now on sale.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2026
The highly anticipated musical adaptation of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is set to captivate audiences at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. This new production brings the beloved novel to life with stunning performances and breathtaking stagecraft. Tickets for the show, which promises to be a major theatrical event, are now on sale.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 17, 2025
Based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel of the same name. Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a Polish-American college student who during the Great Depression, loses both of his parents in a car accident. As a result, he jumps on a moving train unsure of where the road will take him. Yet, he finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life, and love, beyond his wildest dreams.
by Jeffrey Kare - Dec 17, 2025
Based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel of the same name. Water for Elephants follows Jacob Jankowski, a Polish-American college student who during the Great Depression, loses both of his parents in a car accident. As a result, he jumps on a moving train unsure of where the road will take him. Yet, he finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life, and love, beyond his wildest dreams.
Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at The National Theatre
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 12, 2025
The biggest issues with the musical adaptation of 'Water for Elephants' is that it doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to be, and the choreographic and performance talent in this tour would be better served by stronger material.
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Dec 12, 2025
The biggest issues with the musical adaptation of 'Water for Elephants' is that it doesn’t seem to know what it’s trying to be, and the choreographic and performance talent in this tour would be better served by stronger material.
Tickets Now on Sale for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Shea's Buffalo Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2025
Tickets are now on sale to the North American tour of the musical based on the bestselling novel, Water for Elephants, coming to Shea's Buffalo Theatre for eight performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2025
Tickets are now on sale to the North American tour of the musical based on the bestselling novel, Water for Elephants, coming to Shea's Buffalo Theatre for eight performances.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Shana Carroll been nominated for?
Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Water for Elephants, Outstanding Choreography (Broadway or Off-Broadway) (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Water for Elephants, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Water for Elephants and Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Traces.
Tickets From $59
Tickets From $71
Tickets From $71
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