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 most recently has found her truest strength in putting up productions from behind the scenes. 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. Payton feels so blessed to be able to pursue entertainment 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 is she up to now?
Payton is consistently working on her craft, always learning to further expand her abilities. Putting those skills to use, Payton spent nine months with Carnival Cruise Lines as a Dancer/Singer, stunning audiences internationally, usually identifiable as the girl with the rope and purple hair! She has made her Off-Off Broadway debut in NYC as performer and choreographer in “From A Dream.” You can also catch her on screen featured in the Vanessa Williams music video “iLike Moonlight,” as well as a background artist in Happy Gilmore 2 and Etoilé! She is a graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Manhattan, where she is now on faculty and an outreach team member. Recently, Payton has been second runner-up (2023) and Top 10 finalist (2025) in the Miss South Dakota scholarship competition (Miss America affiliated), winning the preliminary talent and fitness awards with her self-choreographed dance, and impacting her community with her initiative “Networthing: Save, Invest, Soar” focused on financial education. She is looking forward to her newest endeavor attending the International Business and Politics Bachelor’s Program at Stockholm University in Sweden Fall of 2025! In her free time, Payton enjoys cooking for her family, exploring the world (15 countries and counting), spending time with her partner, Jacob, and singing along to Taylor Swift.