Nedra Shamberger

Classically trained in piano, voice, and theater, Nedra Anita Shamberger emerged from her first high school role to lead lady film credits, debuting with "You Can't Take It With You." She has worked on- and off-Broadway, as she has traveled nationally and internationally. Moviegoers will recognize the Jersey Girl from a brief scene in Miramax Films' "Whitney (2018)", describing the late and incomparable Whitney Houston and the impact she and her mom Cissy Houston had at the gospel show that took place in Shamberger's hometown of Newark. She and her choir shared the stage with Whitney and Cissy that day. Highlights of her theater credits include winning the AUDELCO Award at the National Black Theater for her portrayal of Lena Horne in "The Song of Sheba." However, the moment that launched her impressive acting career was when "Mama I Want To Sing " Productions cast her as the understudy to Aunt Carrie in the international tour. Another leading role came when she played Deena Jones in the tour company of "DreamGirls." She was Sandra, the jealous stepmother, in the comedy film "Impolite Boys" with Gadin Media. The press has commented favorably on Nedra's ability to blend her acting with her impeccable first soprano voice. For instance, when she opened for the legendary queen of soul Aretha Franklin at the John Harms Performance Art Center, the Star-Ledger wrote: "Her approach to contemporary gospel shifted from a sweet, light voice reminiscent of pop singer Janet Jackson, to a harder high voice, belting the full tone of an authoritative gospel wail." The writer raved: "As a vocalist, she and Franklin roofed the set!" Nedra Shamberger won a nomination by the Greater Media Newspaper for the Second Annual Greater Women of Central New Jersey Award. She was also awarded a Tribute from the late Congressman Donald M. Payne for her ministerial and community work in Newark, NJ. As a native of Newark, and a child prodigy, she served in leadership roles in her dad's church. She graduated from Upsala College with a B.A. in Liberal Arts while working as Assistant Director and Stage Manager for Workshop 90. Into The Woods won her the Dramatist Of The Year Award from Upsala. She went on to earn an M.A. degree in Speech Communications and Theater from Montclair State University. After college, Nedra became a drama tutor for the Gifted and Talented Program for the East Orange Board of Education, beginning an internship that turned into employment at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) Arts Education Department, assisting the Vice President of Arts Education. She was on the ground floor of historical collaboration between the Arts Education Department of NJPAC and the New Jersey Board of education that provides a curriculum enjoyed by thousands of children each year. Nedra utilized her M.A. degree in Speech Communications when she became a professor at Monmouth University and Ocean County College, requiring impeccable teaching skills. Nedra lives on the Jersey Shore. When not working, she enjoys musical theater in the city.