Dave Payton has been acting since his elementary-school days in Brooklyn, New York, where his passion for the craft was first ignited. After graduating from college with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, he embarked on a thrilling journey as a member of the professional Christian acting company Covenant Players. For an extended period, he toured the country, performing in a wide range of venues including churches, schools, prisons, and nursing homes, sharing his talents with diverse audiences.
Following his tour, Dave returned to his hometown of Brooklyn, where he took on the role of Pee Wee the Seagull, one of the beloved mascots for the New York Mets' single-A team, the Brooklyn Cyclones. This experience further honed his skills and deepened his connection with the community.
Later, Dave met his wife through an internet dating site and made the life-changing decision to relocate to Wisconsin. It was in this new environment that he founded Least of These Players (LOTP),a company dedicated to producing high-quality, faith-based performances. LOTP has successfully brought to life two notable productions, "The Man in The Empty Chair" on stage and film, as well as "The Gift." The debut of "The Man in The Empty Chair" marks a significant milestone for LOTP, as they strive to expand their audience and reach a wider range of people.
Throughout his career, Dave has demonstrated his versatility as a playwright, penning several faith-based plays. In addition to his writing endeavors, he has also taken on numerous stage roles, showcasing his impressive range as an actor. Some of his most notable performances include Harold Hill in "The Music Man," Mr. Tumnus in "The Chronicles of Narnia," Mike Teevee in "Willy Wonka," Lumiere in "Beauty and the Beast," and Juror 2 in "12 Angry Men."