DuJuan "Dap" Paxton | Summer Camp Director
Dap Paxton is a multi-talented artist, director and actor. With a diverse skill set and an unwavering passion for storytelling, he is celebrated for his innovative and visionary approach to filmmaking. Dap Paxton has worked with middle and high school students as an acting mentor and film program director. He has taught the fundamentals of acting in coordination with Fulton County Arts Commission at the West End Performing Arts Center. He's also worked in concert with the film department at Southwest DeKalb High School to assist senior with developing and executing senior film projects to fulfill curriculum requirements toward graduation. He possesses a keen eye for capturing the essence of characters and stories, crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant narratives. His performances are characterized by their emotional depth that draws audiences into the stories he portrays. Dap's journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by a dedication to diversity and inclusivity, both in front of and behind the camera. He is a vocal advocate for increased representation of underrepresented voices in the film industry and has used his platform to support emerging talent and foster meaningful change.
Shauna Stanley | Performing Arts Instructor
Shauna Stanley is an ardent advocate of the performing arts, having embraced this passion since childhood. Her journey, which began as more than a hobby, has transformed her into the remarkable individual she is today. Shauna honed her talents at the Patel Conservatory for Arts at Straz Center in Tampa, Florida, immersing herself in voice, musical theater, and dance. Her several years of ballet, jazz, modern, and tap training were under the guidance of Trudy Weaver of Elite Arts Dance Academy and Christina Acosta at Hillsborough College. Shauna has graced the stage in numerous original productions, including Peter Pan, A Christmas Carol, and The Nutcracker. Shauna's versatility extends beyond the stage to the silver screen, where she excels in script consulting, producing, casting, and acting through her production company, Rude Awakening Pictures. Notably, she co-wrote, and executive produced the sci-fi limited series Sparks Fly, where she also stars as Sirena. She also appeared in the Hallmark Channel’s A Nashville Christmas Carol as the role of “DJ” and has years of on camera experience appearing in commercials and hosting live events. Shauna is a former on-air correspondent for KBN11’s Inside the Box and guest host for the Degrees & Chuck T’s show (iTunes, I Heart Radio). Having an expertise in numbers and scripts, Shauna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Kennesaw State University and an Interdisciplinary Certificate in Music & Entertainment Business from the highly acclaimed Joel A. Katz Music & Entertainment Business Program. She pursued dual screenwriting classes under NAACP-nominated producer/director Rhonda Baraka, who inspired her to delve deeper into writing. As a result, Shauna's writing talents were recognized at the Atlanta Comedy Film Festival, where she earned the Best Georgia Screenplay award. Currently an MBA candidate at Louisiana State University - Shreveport, she anticipates receiving her Six Sigma Black Belt training in the Summer of 2024. This blend of business acumen and creative expertise underscores her ability to navigate the entertainment industry with a strategic mindset. She is not only an artist, but also a businesswoman with a keen eye for the evolving landscape of media and entertainment.
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Nicole Pringle | Filmmaking / Performing Arts Instructor
Nicole Pringle is a Gullah Gal from South Carolina. She is also a vocalist, actress, storyteller, founder, and executive producer of Show Ya Write Entertainment, co-founder of The Atlanta Auteur Film Festival, and baker of her homemade apple crisp pound cake. She was the first person to graduate from Anderson University (Anderson, SC) with a BM in Vocal Performance. You may recognize her as the grieving mother, Venus Taylor, in Will Packer's reproduction of The Atlanta Child Murders, the scheming mooching mother, Sade, from "Law & Order SVU: Garland's Baptism", or as the high-strung fiancé, Holly, from the movie "Twas the Night". Ms. Pringle has also appeared in other award-winning indie movies, web series, regional commercials, voiced commercials, and video games. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys hiking, bowling, or simply watching TV with her sisters. She finds joy in helping others succeed. Her words of encouragement to herself and others are, “You already have everything you need to succeed.”