Endgame
Facility Theatre / Chicago

“Hamm’s parents live in trash bins: his father Nagg, played with depth and inexplicable joy by H.B. Ward, and mother Nell, exquisitely portrayed by Shawna Franks, seem to actually love each other and share a history in touching conversation. “

Endgame
Facility Theatre / Chicago

“…this ensemble effectively conveys the ennui and despair of Beckett’s characters while also capturing the script’s dark humor.”

The Woman Before
Trap Door Theatre / Chicago

“The entire cast brings the emotion, humor and, ultimately, the horror of Roland Schimmelpfenning’s play (in a translation here by David Tushingham) to life in a way that will haunt you for days after.”

Uncle Vanya
Space 55 / Phoenix, AZ

⭐️ Best Actress, Phoenix New Times “Best Of” for the role of Elena

“Shawna Franks, as the beautiful, idle, discouraged, self-loathing Elena, is a force of what she cleverly has everyone believing is nature. Watching her body languish uncomfortably all over the stage while her dark eyes alternately wander and pierce is one of Valley theater's few unalloyed pleasures.”

Book of Liz
Space 55 / Phoenix, AZ

“Early in the year, I wrote that I wondered whether I'd see a scene all season that was as astonishing to me as the one I saw in Space 55 Theater Ensemble's Book of Liz, where actress Shawna Franks attacked a tray full of flatware with such gusto that forks flew into the audience, which had been all but asleep up 'til then. All these months later, I'm not sure that I did see anything onstage to rival Franks' marvelous freak-out.”

The Bakers of Lakewood
Space 55 / Phoenix, AZ

“.​..a crackling Tesla ball [of] energy​...I wish we had more opportunities to see her perform.”

Right Now
Facility Theatre / Chicago

⭐️Non-Equity Jeff Award for the role of Juliette

“…led by the commanding and intrusive Juliette played by the astounding Shawna Franks.”

Killer Joe
Next Lab / Evanston

“…Shawna Franks is luminescent in the role of Dottie.”

Killer Joe
Vaudeville Theatre / Bush Theater / London

“Killer Joe is a remarkable play, brilliantly acted, and reaches out to an audience that feels more at home with Tarantino than Tartuffe.”

Killer Joe
Vaudeville Theatre / Bush Theatre / London

“Brilliant acting from Shawna Franks, who steers her character clear of cliché.”

Killer Joe
Vaudeville Theatre / Bush Theatre / London

“Shawna Franks and cast, all members of Chicago’s Hired Gun Company, give shattering performances.”

Killer Joe
Vaudeville Theatre / Bush Theatre / London

“There is genuine pathos from Shawna Franks’ vulnerable Dottie.”

Killer Joe
Vaudeville Theatre / Bush Theatre / London

“Shawna Franks is compelling as Dottie, the only character with an ounce of real power.”