Shane Dittmar
New York, NY
Shane Dittmar (they/them) is a blind composer, musician, writer, and advocate who does everything loudly. As a songwriter, they combine moving and memorable melodies with witty, evocative, and often tongue-in-cheek lyrics that you can't help but sing. School, community, and professional choirs on three continents have performed their award-winning compositions. Their original musicals, with honest stories about lovable and under-represented characters, have been featured at Roundabout Theatre Company, 54 Below, and in concerts across the country. Shane is based in Brooklyn, where they work as an accessibility specialist, and has a passion for music education, a guide dog named Chevelle, and an infectious - and very loud - laugh.
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As a writer, Shane is fascinated by stories and storytelling, and their work explores how narratives shape who we are and how who we are shapes our narratives. Shane writes plays, musicals, and stand-alone songs in their own name, and they create theatre with fellow disabled and non-binary writer Sarah Kaufman under the name They 'n Them. Recent projects include:
The Reality Shaper (2022): a DND-inspired fantasy Musical Podcast created with Sarah Kaufman.
Like Usual (2021): a five-minute musical selected for inclusion in Roundabout Theatre Company's Reverb Arts Festival.
"Say Yes" (2020): an original MT song performed as part of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Hear Our Voices cabaret.
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In addition to composing, arranging, and orchestrating, Shane has worked extensively as a music director for productions including:
2018
Into the Woods (Raleigh Little Theatre): music director, piano*
Porgy and Bess (Justice Theatre Project): assistant music director, piano
2017
Public Works’ The Tempest (Raleigh Little Theatre): music director, piano, guitar
2016
Bat Boy (Raleigh Little Theatre): music director, piano/keyboard
2015
Rent (North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre): music director, piano
2014
Cinderella (Raleigh Little Theatre): associate music director, additional orchestrations
2013
Bat Boy (North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre): music director, piano*
2012
Pippin (North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre): assistant music director, piano*
* = piano-only production
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Shane’s commercially published choral compositions include
“Annunciation to the Shepherds,” a Christmas piece setting verses from Luke 2, which was published by Hinshaw Music in 2019 and premiered by the North Carolina Master Chorale;
“If I Can Stop One Heart from Breaking” (text by Emily Dickinson), published in 2018 by Heritage Music Press; and
“Cantate,” a 2016 psalm setting which is published by Hinshaw.
Shane’s experience as a music educator and vocalist helps them to create memorable, teachable, and singable parts for choirs of all abilities, which is why several of their pieces have been selected for inclusion on sheet music retailer J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice lists. They have also independently published compositions through MusicSpoke and are always writing something new for people to sing.
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As an educator in and out of public schools, Shane believes in equity, inclusion, and high expectations. Their work with students of all ages is empowerment-based and recognizes and accommodates the unique needs of every student while never assuming they are anything less than fully capable with the right tools. Shane is especially proud of their work advocating for instruction in music literacy and the music braille code for visually impaired students and of their three and a half years teaching music at the Washington State School for the Blind.
Other Projects
The Reality Shaper: A Musical Podcast