Abstract: Methods for actuating a microshutter array with electromechanical resonance and electrostatic force are described herein. An alternating electrical field is created by applying an alternating current (AC) voltage across a pair of actuation electrodes. A shutter blade with a blade electrode thereon is disposed between the pair of actuation electrodes and vibrates in the alternating electrical field created. Direct current (DC) voltages are applied to a vertical electrode and the blade electrode. The shutter blade is attracted to the vertical electrode and captured to an open position.