Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Allen Payne.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved storytelling. From performing in my grandma’s kitchen as a child to directing full-scale productions today, I’ve spent my life chasing the spark that comes from bringing stories to life. As much as I loved being on stage growing up, I was equally drawn to teaching and working with young people. So when I discovered I could combine those passions through a Theatre for Youth degree, I jumped at the chance.
More than a decade later, that love for creative connection still drives me. In early 2025, I joined Shine Bright Performing Arts—a youth-focused theatre company in Winter Garden, Florida—as Director of Education and Artistic Programming. Founded by our fearless leader Rallia Westrick (SBPA was dreamed up during a late-night brainstorm session– on a napkin, no less!), Shine Bright has quickly grown into a thriving program where young performers of all experience levels can explore acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre.
My role allows me to do what I love most: build inclusive, meaningful programs that help students grow in confidence, creativity, and community, and create space for fellow arts educators to share their talents and thrive! From summer camps and workshops to full-scale mainstage productions, I get to support artists as they learn to collaborate, take risks, and shine on and off the stage.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—building a career in the arts rarely is! At Shine Bright, launching new programming while also developing our team, earning community trust, and scaling quickly has brought its fair share of challenges. There were moments of uncertainty, especially as we navigated logistics and capacity while interest in our programs grew faster than expected, which, of course, was a tremendous blessing! Balancing creativity with operations in a start-up environment requires constant adaptability. But each hurdle has helped us grow, strengthen our foundation, and deepen our commitment to our mission: to inspire meaningful connection through the wonder of theatre arts.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As Director of Education and Artistic Programming at Shine Bright Performing Arts, I lead the development of our educational programming and the artistic vision of our theatrical productions. My role spans everything from designing inclusive curricula and building community partnerships to producing a full season of shows and managing our organizational budget. I oversee a team of teaching artists, creatives, and production staff, ensuring our programs foster growth, confidence, and creativity for students of all experience levels. In this start-up phase, I’ve also played a key role in strategic planning, marketing, and organizational growth, helping to expand Shine Bright’s presence in the community while creating a vibrant and welcoming space for young artists to thrive.
This is actually the third time I’ve had the opportunity to build a theatre program. Each experience has deepened my belief in the power of arts education to transform individuals and communities. From establishing a school-based program in public education to designing nonprofit theatre curricula, and now helping Shine Bright grow and expand, I’ve learned how to blend creativity with structure and vision with action—all in service of creating inclusive, joyful spaces where people come together through the magic of theatre!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is watching people—especially young people—discover something new about themselves through the arts. Whether it’s the moment a student steps into the spotlight for the first time or realizes they’re capable of more than they thought, I’m happiest when I get to witness growth, confidence, and connection unfold in real time. Theatre has this incredible way of building community and helping people feel seen, and creating those opportunities for others brings me a deep sense of joy and purpose!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shinebrightperformingarts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinebrightperformingarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556370773443
Image Credits
Production photos courtesy of Steph Moser Photography
