Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allonya Payne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Allonya, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Projects are easy to come by here in Memphis but I’m very selective. Most projects that I perform in are very diverse in content and meaning. I’ve decided that I like to branch out with new writers and up-and-coming filmmakers. One project that I am excited about and we’re going into season 2 is about some young adults with powers trying to win a game around the city to hold a title but I’m the villain who’s trying to stop their plains. It’s so diverse and I love the comedy in it as well as the drama. I’m excited. It means a lot to me to show that I’m not a type cast actress.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m AD Payne an actress writer and sometimes director. I started acting in elementary school, middle school and highschool. Those schools didn’t have big theatre programs but I played each role big. My first show was a mouse in Cinderella in the fourth grade. Lol. In college I did a small number of shows but plenty small black box at the University of Memphis where I graduated with a bachelor’s in fine arts. I’m proud of my craft especially writing a webseries that received great feed back in 2020 and 21. We filmed during covid earm stages but stopped. This was my first project fill series with me being the sole writer. We’re doing season 2 this summer 2023. I also around the city give the service of writing commercials, speeches, movies plays, reel monologues and scenes for actors and businesses. What I think that sets me apart from others is being willing to listen and take direction well. I give acting tips, writing tips and audition information to other creatives. I feel like Memphis industry should be a family oriented market not competition. I like to share my knowledge. You can contact me on IG with two pages one for my acting @adpayne_ or @thewritelyrics_ for my writing.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe society can help us by letting us tell our stories with out being censored. I know some Plata and movies can be kind of new but getting to know others mind and creative ways to express themselves should not be held back.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Some resources I wish I knew earlier were literary agents. They are so hard to come by. I’ve submitted to a few and no hirs yet. If I knew about the logistics of writing earlier in the tears I think I would have had an agent and on TV by now. But I’m still thriving.    

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @adpayne_ and @thewritlyrics_
• Facebook: AD payne
• Linkedin: Allonya Payne
• Twitter: Adpayne
• Youtube: AD Payne
• Other: Books on Amazon Love Choices by Allonya Payne and Adoration Anguish and Arousal by Allonya Payne.