Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Shadley

Hi Tanya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Tanya Rollins Shadley is a dynamic performer who has been captivating audiences with her microphone skills since the young age of 5. Her journey in the performing arts began when she was cast in her first production, “Black Girl,” at just 8 years old, under the guidance of her mentor DeShera “Sunshine” Rainey at Norfolk State University’s NSU Players. This early experience ignited a passion within her, leading her to participate in the SEVAA summer arts workshop.

Throughout her high school years, Tanya had the privilege of being a part of the Governor’s School for the Arts Performing Arts department. She excelled in her studies and graduated with honors from both Governor’s School for the Arts and Maury High School.

During her time at Old Dominion University, Tanya showcased her immense talent in a captivating one-woman show, where she portrayed the legendary Billie Holiday. She graduated with honors, earning a Theater degree from ODU. Tanya’s dedication to the arts led her back to the SEVAA arts workshop, where she taught for a decade. Additionally, she secured a Theatre Director position in a local school system, where she shared her knowledge and passion for theater with students in grades 6-12. Tanya’s involvement in the performing arts expanded beyond acting, as she also pursued writing, directing, and stage management.

In 2014, Tanya took a bold step and established her own production company, TRS PRODUCTIONS, Broadway in V-A. Building on her success, she launched TRS Kids in January 2020, a Children’s Performing Arts company dedicated to providing young people with quality training experiences and paving the way for future opportunities. With over 30 years of experience in the performing arts, Tanya is determined to build an empire.

Tanya takes great pride in her roles as a wife to Melvin Shadley and a mother to two wonderful boys, Meliq and Melichi Shadley, as well as a beautiful daughter named Tatiana. She firmly believes that her God-given skills and talents serve a greater purpose – to lay a strong foundation for local talent in the arts and bring exceptional entertainment to the people of the 757 area.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Starting my businesses posed several challenges, including limited access to funding and a lack of resources. When faced with a lack of access to funding, I had to think outside the box and find alternative ways to finance my businesses. This involved seeking out grants and pitch competitions to help generate the necessary capital.

In addition to financial constraints, the lack of resources presented another hurdle. This meant that I had to be resourceful and make the most of what I had. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I honed in on my strengths, skills, and existing assets. I carefully prioritized my needs and creatively utilized the resources available to me, whether it was leveraging technology, networking, or finding cost-effective solutions.

Being clever and resourceful allowed me to turn limitations into opportunities. I became adept at finding innovative ways to solve problems and streamline processes. I actively sought out partnerships and collaborations, maximizing the collective resources and expertise of others. By thinking creatively and leveraging my strengths, I was able to make my businesses shine despite the challenges.

Overall, my journey of starting a business with limited funding and resources taught me valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the power of creative problem-solving. It pushed me to think outside the box, embrace unconventional approaches, and ultimately, paved the way for my current and future success.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Tanya Rollins Shadley is renowned for her energetic presence, vibrant personality, and powerful singing voice. She is highly regarded for her ability to motivate and train individuals of all ages in the arts. Tanya is also recognized for using performing arts as a platform to address challenging topics such as domestic violence, gun violence, single motherhood, and more. She skillfully uses the arts to creatively depict real-life stories, stimulating conversations and making a significant impact not only in Hampton Roads but also beyond. Additionally, Tanya is known for her commitment to provide high-quality entertainment experiences at affordable prices, both in virtual and in-person settings.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

There are several ways to collaborate with Tanya and TRS Kids or TRS Productions such as

1. Performance Collaborations: If you are a performer or part of a performing group, you can explore opportunities to collaborate on stage productions, concerts, or other live performances. TRS is known for their dynamic and engaging performances, and joining forces can create a memorable experience for audiences.

2. Workshops and Training: Tanya is highly skilled in training and mentoring young and seasoned individuals in the arts. If you are interested in enhancing your skills or working with Tanya to attend a workshop or training program, or you can reach out to collaborate on educational initiatives.

3. Creative Projects: Tanya with TRS are passionate about using the arts to address important social issues. If you have an idea for a creative project or a collaboration that aims to raise awareness or make a positive impact, you can discuss your concept with Tanya and explore the possibility of working together.

4. Event Collaborations: If you are organizing an event and would like to incorporate Tanya’s energetic presence or TRS Productions’ entertainment services, you can collaborate on event planning and execution. This could include performances, hosting, or other event-related contributions.

To explore any of these collaboration opportunities or donation supports, it is recommended to reach out to Tanya or the TRS team directly to discuss your ideas and interests.

Pricing:

• Quality training at affordable costs!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TRSProductions.org / www.TRSKIDS.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trs_kids/ https://www.instagram.com/trsproductions?igsh=MWIwcjM1NzZxdHA3Nw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/UhXjLagpyXhfj2ps/?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://www.facebook.com/share/S1EkSumqZRM4cxrS/?mibextid=kFxxJD https://www.facebook.com/share/XmUCz8gCfRu3VCLL/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@trsproductions5760?si=ndXWbyaiL2STciA3
• Other: https://youtube.com/@trskids?feature=shared

Image Credits

Dray Washington

Melvin Shadley