We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Shayne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I love working in the nonprofit world, especially live dance. Dance companies struggle to raise money, and when they finally do every buck counts. I started my business in 2014 to help those who got their first big paycheck and wanted to maximize every cent of it. I knew that I could help them from the start, so they would be prepared for the inevitable last-minute costs that always arise as you get closer to opening night. My skills and suggestions were appreciated early on, and I gained some traction in the community. I have gladly had a well-rounded career across all live (and since the pandemic filmed) production, and have been able to share these varied skillsets/experiences across all new ventures. I love what I do, and hope that I am able to teach/help each new client with all that I have

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career is full of small winding paths rather than one long broad one. I have never set my bearing in any direction, but have welcomed all new opportunities and challenges that have presented themselves. I was told a useful piece of advice once, and have lived it as one of my credos. I was told to never jump for a ledge you will not catch, but to never be afraid to reach further towards a rung you have not yet touched, simply put, take risks but don’t fail recklessly. I always considered each new venture by these stipulations, allowing myself to try new avenues to grow, but shying away from projects that were doomed from the get-go. My business has grown steadily, my skills are varied and can be tailored for each new project, and my services are unlike others I know because I have fine-tuned them in a variety of scenarios.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big foodie and that extends to drinks as well. Rooftop happy hours and dinners in nice restaurants or local street food begin the plans. Showing off the local sports teams, parks, beaches, and museums is next. Maybe a drive up PCH for sunset and playing catch by Dodger Stadium to pepper in the remaining timeslots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am who I am today because of the incredible teachers in my life. My school teachers always challenged me to do more than what was expected. They often treated me as a junior contemporary more than as a child. The relationship of mentor/mentee applied to me more than teacher/student. I loved to learn and though I hated to read textbooks, I gleaned every bit of knowledge from hands-on experiences that were provided. It is because of such helpful teachers along my path, both in and out of school, that I myself became a professor and have been able to continue the cycle.

Website: tonyshayne.com

Image Credits
CalArts Winter Dance @ Sharon Disney Lund Dance Theater/REDCAT 2021
Rosanna Gamson/Worldwide @ REDCAT 2016 Photo by Brian Hashimoto
ODC @ YBCA 2017 Photo by Andrew Weeks
Stanford TAPS @ RST 2017 Photo by Frank Chen

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