Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Vanderslice Shelton.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in a small town, on the Delaware River, in South Jersey. Many don’t know that New Jersey is two states in one, north and south. My hometown is what gives it the name, The Garden State. Best tomatoes in the world- sorry, Grainger County! I grew up singing in church and had big dreams of going to New York City to perform on Broadway. However, I decided to do what I thought was the sensible thing, and go to college instead.
I attended a University in Virginia to receive a degree in communications with an emphasis on speech. By then, I was ready to write speeches for The President. Another day, another dream. Rather than move to The White House, I decided to continue my education and earn a Master’s degree in business. I guess you could say I was a professional student. I’d also hung up my dreams of Broadway and become a mortgage banker. Still singing, but not as often as before.
One day, I received a call from someone who had written a new stage production that was set to release in Pigeon Forge, TN. Pigeon where?!? I had nothing to lose and it felt like my opportunity to sing again. So I took some headshots in front of a bedsheet that I hung in my parent’s kitchen, printed them in black and white at the local drug store, and headed off to New York City for auditions. A few weeks later, I resigned from the mortgage company and headed off to Tennessee.
I worked for Fee-Hedrick Family Entertainment in one of their largest productions on the Parkway in the Smoky Mountains. I learned so much that year. I learned a lot about myself, many things I knew I needed to improve, and I learned a lot about entertainment. One thing I knew is that I wasn’t cut out for the schedule of a performer. Actors, singers, and musicians work so hard and often late into the evening. When my contract ended, I assumed I’d just move home to my family and work in banking. I had no idea that a Christmas dinner with strangers would change my life.
It was at that dinner that I met someone, now a friend and mentor, who was the director of the group sales team at The Dollywood Companies. She happened to have an opening for Tourism Sales Manager and I just happened to need a job. After a series of almost ten interviews, I was hired. The mentoring, correction, direction, and training that I received while working for Herschend Enterprises and The Dollywood Companies, were incomparable. Not only was I traveling the world, but my job was also to sell fun!
In 2009, I was devastated when a downturn in the economy forced the company to eliminate several positions, including mine. A company that I once thought was the place I’d retire was no more. The only thing that kept me in East Tennessee was a local church that had become my family. Even in a season where I was so sad, God was still so very good. I was able to pick up a few odd jobs here and there while leading worship for The Gathering Church.
A few short years later, I met my husband. A cute local Knoxville boy who had no idea what he was getting into by marrying a bonafide Yankee. He introduced me to a friend who was an Executive Producer for Jupiter Entertainment. After hearing about my background and education, he assumed I’d make a good television producer.
Thus began my history with Jupiter Entertainment. It was while working on a set that I was approached about booking talent for some of our series. While trying to juggle three shows at once, I identified our need for a casting department. The company supported me as I grew a team of hardworking, wonderful people who are now known as Jupiter Casting.
Being a casting director is the perfect career for me! This business is all about people. People will challenge you, hurt you and help you. But, my goal is to show people the same grace and mercy that God has shown me throughout my journey. It hasn’t always been easy, but God has always been faithful to keep his promises.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m very fortunate to have a supportive family and community. In life, there are always going to be elements that are out of your control. The goal is to treat people with respect, develop relationships and do the very best job you can with anything you’re given. I’ve always been a hard worker.
It’s in my blood. In the interim between Dollywood and Jupiter, I even worked for a friend’s pest control company. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I am so thankful for that time in my life and the family who trusted me to represent their business. Experiences like that can’t be found at any university.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Casting Director for Jupiter Entertainment. We have an office in New York City with our main hub in Knoxville. I oversee the casting department for all of the series that we produce.
We’re best known for our work in true crime television. Some of our well-known series include Snapped, Homicide Hunter, ATL Homicide, and In Pursuit with John Walsh. We also produce specials for television and streaming apps.
What matters most to you?
My relationship with God, my family, and my friends mean the most to me. Through every trial and difficult time, I’ve seen the goodness of God sustain me. He has directed my path and protected me in every season of my life. My family is overwhelmingly supportive and wonderful!
My husband and I are the proud parents to two beautiful, blue-eyed blonde girls, who keep us on our toes and bring us the most joy. Our friends and church family are the villages that encourage us along this journey. It’s not what we have but the relationships we’ve built that mean so much.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jupiterent.com/
- Instagram: @jupitercasting
- Facebook: @JupiterCasting
- Twitter: @jupitercasting
Image Credits
Gabrielle Sullivan (@gabrielle_sullivan)
