ABOUT
Eddie Shields is a versatile and award-winning stage actor with a rich portfolio spanning Regional, Off-Broadway, and national productions. Shields has garnered significant acclaim for his stage work and has been especially prominent in Boston's vibrant theatre scene, where he’s known for emotionally resonant performances and a strong presence in LGBTQ+ narratives.
Notable roles include Prior Walter in BEDLAM's Angels in America, Eric Glass in The Inheritance, Galveston in EDWARD II, The Emcee in Cabaret, and Alfie Byrne in A Man of No Importance.
Eddie has been nominated three times for the Elliot Norton Award winning twice for best ensemble (The Inheritance, Casa Valentina). He is also the recipient of an IRNE award for Significant other, as well as IRNE nominations for Shakespeare in Love, Edward II, & Casa Valentina.
His original play JULIE was selected Best in Show at the NY Midtown Theater Festival and his play GOOD GIRLS HIGH was an official selection for Manhattan Rep's festival.
This summer Eddie will be joining the Regional premier of Mother Play by Paula Vogel at Shakespeare and Company. In 2026 Shields will portray Alan Turning in Breaking The Code at Central Square Theater
NOTICES
"Shields’ superb portrayal of Eric Glass is a theatrical tour de force of the highest order, and his performance is both the emotional and artistic center of the play. "
"Shields’ superb portrayal of Eric Glass is a theatrical tour de force of the highest order, and his performance is both the emotional and artistic center of the play. "
"Shields’ superb portrayal of Eric Glass is a theatrical tour de force of the highest order, and his performance is both the emotional and artistic center of the play. "
- OnBostonStages
" in a tender, deeply sensitive, bravura performance by Eddie Shields".
"Shields’ superb portrayal of Eric Glass is a theatrical tour de force of the highest order, and his performance is both the emotional and artistic center of the play. "
"Shields’ superb portrayal of Eric Glass is a theatrical tour de force of the highest order, and his performance is both the emotional and artistic center of the play. "
-Joyces Choices
"Shields has all of Gaveston’s allure and vulnerability right from an initial tub stretch and unself-conscious nudity through both romantic and turbulent scenes"
"Shields has all of Gaveston’s allure and vulnerability right from an initial tub stretch and unself-conscious nudity through both romantic and turbulent scenes"
"Shields has all of Gaveston’s allure and vulnerability right from an initial tub stretch and unself-conscious nudity through both romantic and turbulent scenes"
- Talkin'Broadway
"Eddie Shields is simply sublime as Patrick, who has been on his own since he was a young man, and quickly attracts the attention of Wes”
"Shields has all of Gaveston’s allure and vulnerability right from an initial tub stretch and unself-conscious nudity through both romantic and turbulent scenes"
"Shields has all of Gaveston’s allure and vulnerability right from an initial tub stretch and unself-conscious nudity through both romantic and turbulent scenes"
- OnStage
"some truly brilliant acting in this play. Notably, Eddie Shields, as Eric Glass, brings a seriousness and profundity to the role which is compelling."
"Shields is ideal as Eric, giving him an edge that brings all his insecurities to the surface. He has a sharp tongue ready to employ when threatened, but beneath it all, he's a romantic at heart, on a quest to find real connection.”
"some truly brilliant acting in this play. Notably, Eddie Shields, as Eric Glass, brings a seriousness and profundity to the role which is compelling."
-ARTSDIARY
"Actor Eddie Shields brings an emotional complexity to the leading role"
"Shields is ideal as Eric, giving him an edge that brings all his insecurities to the surface. He has a sharp tongue ready to employ when threatened, but beneath it all, he's a romantic at heart, on a quest to find real connection.”
"some truly brilliant acting in this play. Notably, Eddie Shields, as Eric Glass, brings a seriousness and profundity to the role which is compelling."
- TheaterMirror
"Shields is ideal as Eric, giving him an edge that brings all his insecurities to the surface. He has a sharp tongue ready to employ when threatened, but beneath it all, he's a romantic at heart, on a quest to find real connection.”
"Shields is ideal as Eric, giving him an edge that brings all his insecurities to the surface. He has a sharp tongue ready to employ when threatened, but beneath it all, he's a romantic at heart, on a quest to find real connection.”
"Shields is ideal as Eric, giving him an edge that brings all his insecurities to the surface. He has a sharp tongue ready to employ when threatened, but beneath it all, he's a romantic at heart, on a quest to find real connection.”
-Talkin Broadway
"At the play’s center are Eric (an exceptional Eddie Shields)."
"Shields is excellent depicting a traumatic episode that sees a confrontation at home ...YOU CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF BULLYING ON THE BOY'S SHOULDERs. Ultimately, his character is the one most realized, and Benji's arc is the most affecting element here."
Shields shows great range in his portrayal...In a breakout performance, he nails the feminine posture and carriage, while maintaining an aura of masculinity, perhaps exemplifying the duality of these half male/half female men
-BOSTON GLOBE
Shields shows great range in his portrayal...In a breakout performance, he nails the feminine posture and carriage, while maintaining an aura of masculinity, perhaps exemplifying the duality of these half male/half female men
"Shields is excellent depicting a traumatic episode that sees a confrontation at home ...YOU CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF BULLYING ON THE BOY'S SHOULDERs. Ultimately, his character is the one most realized, and Benji's arc is the most affecting element here."
Shields shows great range in his portrayal...In a breakout performance, he nails the feminine posture and carriage, while maintaining an aura of masculinity, perhaps exemplifying the duality of these half male/half female men
- Broadway World
"Shields is excellent depicting a traumatic episode that sees a confrontation at home ...YOU CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF BULLYING ON THE BOY'S SHOULDERs. Ultimately, his character is the one most realized, and Benji's arc is the most affecting element here."
"Shields is excellent depicting a traumatic episode that sees a confrontation at home ...YOU CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF BULLYING ON THE BOY'S SHOULDERs. Ultimately, his character is the one most realized, and Benji's arc is the most affecting element here."
"Shields is excellent depicting a traumatic episode that sees a confrontation at home ...YOU CAN FEEL THE WEIGHT OF BULLYING ON THE BOY'S SHOULDERs. Ultimately, his character is the one most realized, and Benji's arc is the most affecting element here."
- WBUR
“It’s an admirable goal, but the production falls short, save for a touching performance by Eddie Shields (Elliot Norton Awards judges take note)"
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
. - ARTSFUSE
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
-JournalInquirer
"Eddie Shields gives a well-rounded, affecting portrait of the talented, ribald, hard-partying BFF of Will...He is hilarious as he provides the soundtrack for the flummoxed Will’s wooing of Viol."
"Shields gives Rexy a deeper and more tragic performance than I’ve seen before... You can see the depth of tragedy and anguish she has gone through and it gives a role that is traditionally played more for laughs a bit more heart. Shields’ interpretation is a fresh look at the rolE"
"Eddie Shields gives a well-rounded, affecting portrait of the talented, ribald, hard-partying BFF of Will...He is hilarious as he provides the soundtrack for the flummoxed Will’s wooing of Viol."
.-ON BOSTON STAGES
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
. - - Broadway World
“If Mr. Shields did nothing more in the entire play than to perform this brilliant scene, he would have more than earned his paycheck”
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
--WWREPORT
"Shields chalks up another strong performance on his resumé, this time combining a quick wit and dangerous devil may care attitude."
"Shields creates a marvelously complex character out of the sensitive Benji, joyfully releasing the butterfly from its chrysalis once he feels safe within Edith and Kenny's acceptance and love"
"Shields chalks up another strong performance on his resumé, this time combining a quick wit and dangerous devil may care attitude."
-Broadway World
