Sarah Ann Shankman was born on October 17, 1989 in Mount Kisco, New York. Born of Broadway pedigree, her mother and father, Ann-Ngaire Martin, and Jim Shankman met in the original production of Grease as Patty Simcox and Sonny Latierri. Destined for the stage and screen, she and her sister performed at local theater companies in and around New York and Florida.

After receiving her Diploma, Shankman immediately moved to New York City and studied at the Michael Howard Studios, completing The Professional Acting Studio for Theatre, Film and Television conservatory program. During that time of study, she made her television debut in the recurring role of Alice Preston on the hit HBO series, Boardwalk Empire. She is also known for her standout performance in the short film, Caseload, and An Intimacy, featured at The Sundance Film Festival's short film program in 2013.

Following her first slew of professional work, Shankman desired to complete her education, therefore, studied abroad at The Fontainebleau School of Acting in Fontainebleau, France. Since graduating, she is an ambassador for the The Fontainebleau School of Acting in New York City. Shankman resides both in Los Angeles, CA and New York City, NY.