Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance

Shaq Hester is a Brooklyn-based singer, actor, and creator that hails from Paterson, New Jersey. Recently, he stage managed the workshop of the Z’s production of Triple Threat starring James T. Lane (Kiss Me Kate, King Kong, The Scottsboro Boys). Also, he was a featured soloist in the TEDXBroadway/Radial Park Presentation of Message From a Wanderer, written and directed by Ari Groover (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Head Over Heels, Holler If Ya Hear Me).

In 2019, he performed as a Swing Soloist in Off-Broadway play, Antigone in Ferguson. He also appeared as a soloist in Kerby Jean Raymond’s 2019 Pyer Moss Fashion Show at King’s Theatre in Brooklyn. He also performed in Treemonisha (Foreman) for Trilogy Opera. He was afforded the opportunity to sing background vocals for Grammy-Nominated Recording Artist, Aloe Blacc, Special Tony Award Recipient, Jason Michael Webb and AGT Season Finalist, A. Renee (from Acte II). While building his performance prowess in the NYC metro area, he wrote and produced his own cabaret shows.

While at IU, he served behind-the-scenes as both House Manager and Assistant House Manager for the 2017-2018 IU Theatre Season. His IU Theatre credits include Measure for Measure (Duke Vincentio) for Devin May’s Thesis Project and Welcome to College (Andre) for IU First Year Experience Programs. His IU Opera Highlights include Peter Grimes (Second Burgess), Florencia en el Amazonas (Water), and Dead Man Walking (Third Inmate). Regional Credits include Five Guys Named Moe (Little Moe) for Workshop Theatre and Pirates of Penzance (Lieutenant Samuel) for No Ceilings.

Shaq received his MM in Vocal Performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and his BM in Vocal Performance from University of South Carolina School of Music.