Shawnda Rains Entertainment
By: Jennifer Branson
Shawnda Rains Entertainment is a music and performance studio located on Main Street in Downtown Denison. It is home to Stagestruck, an exciting performance group that has been entertaining audiences across the country for the last ten years. Stagestruck is known for their impressive singers, powerful performances, and wonderful stage presence. They have become a top choice as an opening act for major shows and large venues. Their thrilling performances combine music, harmonies, and dance, creating an unforgettable experience that leaves audiences amazed.
The owner of this compelling studio is Shawnda Rains. Shawnda has been a professional entertainer for more than 35 years. She is well-known and respected in her field as a vocal coach, artist development expert, show producer, entertainer, and actress. Over the past 30 years, she has worked with many different types of performers including singers, songwriters, pageant contestants, models, musicians, and actors.
Shawnda started her own entertainment company when she was just 28 years old. She decided to purchase Denison’s historic Rialto Theatre, taking a big risk. Two teachers from Oklahoma had approached her about the project, but Shawnda was unsure because the building was in bad shape. Despite her doubts, the teachers kept encouraging her, and eventually Shawnda decided to go for it.
Shawnda faced many challenges but found the experience rewarding. Even though she was excited at first, her two partners unexpectedly decided to leave the business within three months. This left her with all the responsibility to manage alone. To overcome these obstacles, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated field, she needed to be resilient and open to learning continuously. She explained, “So I think I faced and overcame many challenges as a young woman and just a woman in business in general. I believe everything happens for a reason and every step of my journey has brought me to where I am now.”
So as a new entrepreneur, Shawnda decided to start her renovation project: bringing life back to the downstairs areas of the Rialto Theatre with help from her friends and family. After that, she hired top studio musicians from Dallas, Texas, to create a musical variety show called “Main Street Showcase.” This show ran for twelve years and entertained audiences all year long. Each week, the show presented a mix of different musical styles, featuring a talented regular cast and a skilled house band, along with special guest performers from all over the United States.
For this reason, Shawnda believes that every experience, whether good or bad, has helped her grow in her career. Her passion is to nurture young talent and organize amazing events. Shawnda has learned many lessons from her years in the entertainment industry. These lessons have given her skills vital for success. She stated, “I love cultivating young talent and creating events. All my failures and successes over the years have made me a strong business woman, experienced and good at my job.”
Furthermore, grit is a cornerstone of Shawnda’s successful entrepreneurship. It is the fuel that drives her through uncertainties. Entrepreneurs of any type of business often face various types of hurdles, but those with grit persevere. They are willing to learn from their mistakes, and continually move forward toward their vision. This commitment is an essential quality for building a lasting and successful business. For those who want to start their own business, the piece of Shawnda’s philosophy that stands out is to keep trying. “My advice to someone who is just starting in business is: Never give up! Never let a ‘no’ determine your future or your worth.”
Accordingly, in 2023 Shawnda Rains Entertainment earned a remarkable honor when it was named Music Studio of the Year by the Texas Country Music Association. This award is especially impressive because the studio outperformed others in big cities like Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth. Shawnda explained how wide the scope of performance is at her studio. “Many times I hear people call us a ‘dance studio.’ But that is not who we are at all.” Shawnda’s studio centers on “theater, comprehensive vocal and instrument instruction, pageant training, stage performance training, and production of live music shows. The shows are either acoustic, full band, or with accompaniment track . . . just depends on the type of show we are producing.”
As a matter of fact, Shawnda Rains Entertainment and the Main Street Showcase have helped performers in local communities and even areas beyond. The studio has had connections to famous artists like Kacey Musgraves and Carrie Underwood, who have performed on the Rialto stage. However, its influence goes much further than just these well-known names. Each week, more than 85 students train at the studio, with some coming from as far away as Houston, Tyler, and Midlothian. The studio focuses on giving excellent instruction to help students reach their musical goals. Even students as far as Nebraska and Wisconsin are able to learn from the studio through Skype lessons. Shawnda works diligently to make sure her students get the best instruction possible. She believes in creating a caring and supportive space for them to grow and develop their talents.
Fundamentally, the performing arts are a vital part of a community. They help people connect with others and express themselves. Through the arts that Shawnda Rains Entertainment nurtures such as theater, live shows, and music, people can creatively explore the joys and challenges of what being human means. These performing arts improve life by helping people see themselves and others in various artistic forms. And the performing arts are so very important for building a lively community in which people can constantly learn and grow. Small businesses such as Shawnda’s that support the arts and a vibrant downtown area are important parts of a successful cultural arts district. They are the heart of a city, shaping the community’s identity and attracting visitors.
Additionally, Shawnda believes that the expected growth in North Texas is a crucial time for the community. Many new people moving in will create great chances for progress and improvement. The arrival of young talent will enhance the cultural scene, making it a perfect place for new artistic projects. Shawnda explained, “…it will bring more opportunity. More young talent to cultivate and people to attend our shows.”
In fact, Shawnda Rains Entertainment is making big news in 2024! The studio has moved to a new location at 624/626 West Main. This new space features two dedicated theater areas and an extra event space. And all renovations will be completed by January 2025. This means even more chances to showcase talent and encourage creativity. Importantly, Shawnda Rains Entertainment is committed to innovation and growth. There is a big announcement coming soon that will reveal future projects. Make sure to keep up with their updates by following them on Facebook and at https://www.shawndarainsentertainment.com.
