Originally published on June 21, 2017.
Raised in Cedar Fort, Utah, Payden Adams grew up as an talented singer, actor and dancer. He chose to attend Southern Utah University after visiting the campus several times for various vocal workshops and competing in the High School Shakespeare Competition.
During his time at SUU, Payden took full advantage of offerings in: music, ballroom dance, opera, theatre, ballet and Shakespeare. Payden performed in several SUU productions and had the fortunate opportunity to originate a role in The Dream of Helen, an international ballet that had its world premiere in Wuhan China.
Payden worked for five years at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in a variety of roles. He spent the off-seasons working in the casting office supporting the creative and personnel teams, as well as working as the choreographer for the USF Playmakers, choreographing a number of different children’s musicals.
Through the support of caring mentors, Payden learned how to express himself, assert his beliefs and defend his artistic ideas.
“At SUU, I learned who I was,” said Payden.
Payden’s complete understanding of theater, dance and production guided him to a successful career at the Walt Disney Company.
As an employee of Walt Disney Company’s casting team, Payden works with talent for entertainment offerings domestically and internationally. Most recently, Payden was a part of the team that opened the newest Marvel and Disney Junior entertainment offerings at Disneyland Resorts.
“SUU gave me the skills I needed to succeed not only professionally but personally as well.”
