Jeffrey "SHECKY" Schecter

 

 

My real name is Jeffrey Howard Schecter.  My Hebrew name is Yitzracheshul.  But my nickname is Shecky.  Still with me?   I was given the nickname Shecky years ago by my friend (and now successful Broadway Choreographer) Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis , Addams Family, On Your Feet) One day, in his thick Columbian accent he just blurted out, “Hey Checky, Checky Man!”  And it stuck. So these days I’m mostly known in the “biz” as Shecky.  Now, even my closest friends have trouble calling me Jeff.  So, if you see me say, “Hey! Shecky!”  Or, say “Hey Jeff.”  Just say something.  I like the attention.

 

I started dancing as a kid when I saw the film “Saturday Night Fever” starring John Travolta.  I got a white suite, and figured out the moves to go with it.  I became very popular in old age homes, dance contests and even in Bars and Restaurants on Long Island.  I'm not kidding! Fortunately, my father was always there to protect me from the “cougars.”  My dad Fred still continues to watch over my career like a hawk, and I credit his love  and support with being a  huge reason for my success.  

 

I’m proud to say I’ve been a working actor for over 20 years.  I have performed on Broadway (GUYS AND DOLLS, THE PAJAMA GAME, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WONDERFUL TOWN,  A CHORUS LINE, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE, ANYTHING GOES and most recently NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT starring Matthew Broderick and Tony Award winner, Kelli O'Hara. This past year I appeared in my 9th Broadway show, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.  

 

I have been seen on Television in THE GOOD FIGHT, BRAINDEAD, ELEMENTARY, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, PERSON OF INTEREST,  “SAVED BY THE BELL : THE NEW CLASS,” STRONG MEDICINE, ALL MY CHILDREN, RESURRECTION BLVD AND LAB RATS. Films include  ED TV (directed by Oscar Winner Ron Howard), MIX, THE TOWER OF BABBLE  and as co-writer and star in my first feature, FARM GIRL IN NY.  You can also catch me in the documentary about the audition process for A CHORUS LINE in EVERY LITTLE STEP (Now on DVD).  

 

In my spare time (when I’m not helping to care for my two children or run a business with my wife, ) I’m writing or teaching. I co-wrote my first feature film, FARM GIRL IN NY (Available on Netflix and Amazon) with friends, LA actor/writer Joshua Wade and Broadway veteran, J. Robert Spencer (Jersey Boys and Next to Normal).   My most recent film, TYCO PARKS THE CAR (www.tycoparksthecar.com) completed a successful film festival run including the CONEY ISLAND FILM FEST, BIG APPLE FILM FEST AND HOLLYSHORTS FILM FEST IN Los Angeles, CA.   I am currently shopping my second screenplay, A LITTLE BIT OF CHRISTMAS with Maribru Productions (Maribru.net).  

 

As far as teaching I do a lot of that.  I love teaching and inspiring anyone and everyone that wants to dance, sing, act or all of the above.  This past April 2017 my wife, dancer Melissa Swender and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary of our company,  I CAN DO THAT NYC.  We offer Dance & Theatre classes for Kids of all ages.  Please visit www.icandothatnyc.com to learn more about our amazing company!   

 

I  live in New York City with Melissa, our daughter Heléna and our our son Mattias.