The main objectives of this study are to establish a mechanical model of a double-curved shell partially covered by a laminated polyvinylidene fluoride actuator (LPA) and demonstrate its use in active control. The dynamic equations of a shallow shell with a much smaller LPA attached are derived first; The optimal position and dimensions of an LPA are then determined, based on formulae for the control forces derived. For an example of a shallow shell, significant control effect is obtained for frequencies below 2 KHz when a 4-layer LPA with optimized dimensions is adopted; The control effects of LPAs with different numbers of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers are then explored, including with the results when the LPA at different positions and with different dimensions. The results indicate that a multi-layered LPA can control the vibration of a double-curved shell significantly with low control voltages and has advantages over point force actuators; The optimization approaches for the dimensions of the LPA and its position are practical and efficient.