Meet Payton!
Howdy, Partner!
Raised in the state of South Dakota, where there are more prairie dogs than people, Payton Steffensen has ironically always had a love for the stage. Beginning in pageants just mere months after entering this world, she naturally feels the most at home in front of stage lights and always has dreamed of having her own name in lights. Growing up with a great deal of support, Payton participated in cheer, gymnastics, show choir, and any activity she set her heart on. She credits her determination, efficiency and perseverance to that fast-paced lifestyle, but decided performing on a stage, especially dancing, has always been her first love and what she wanted to focus her energy on. Payton feels so blessed to be able to pursue the stage life professionally, and always brings positivity, light, the hardest work ethic, as well as a smile into each room she enters, because what is better than getting to do what you love each day?!
What does she do?
Payton is consistently working on her craft, to be the best triple threat she can be. Putting those skills to use, Payton spent nine months with Carnival Cruise Lines as a Dancer/Singer, stunning audiences internationally, even sometimes identified as the girl with the rope and purple hair! She is a graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan. Recently, Payton was second runner-up in the Miss South Dakota scholarship competition (Miss America Opportunity affiliated), winning the preliminary talent award with her self-choreographed dance, and impacting her community with her social impact initiative Dream Team, encouraging others to chase their dreams to success. In her free time, Payton enjoys learning to cook, exploring the world (14 countries and counting), spending time with family, and listening to Taylor Swift.