Montclair, NJ – Creative+, a groundbreaking initiative, has responded to a three-decade-long plea for a unified hub for creative minds. With a profound commitment to celebrating diversity and multi-talents, Creative+ (also known as Creative Club Plus) extends a warm invitation to professionals, budding creatives, and those who support the creative community. Amanda Stephen, the multi-talented creative force behind Creative+ is an accomplished SAG-AFTRA & Equity actress, and the former director of the Poughkeepsie Performing Arts Academy, is poised to make a significant impact in the world of arts, culture, shared knowledge and community.  She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Alison Abdullah in the groundbreaking series “Orange is the New Black,” Amanda’s journey is not only defined by her talent but also by her resilience that serves as an inspiration to many.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Amanda’s career path began to flourish when she joined the B Street Theatre’s Apprentice Company in Sacramento, California. Her time there not only polished her acting skills but also provided valuable insights into the intricacies of running a theater, culminating in her acquisition of an Equity Card.

Upon her relocation to New York, Amanda seamlessly blended her passion for the performing arts with her commitment to nonprofit work. In 2012, she took on the challenge of establishing a theater program from the ground up at M.E.T.S. Charter School in Jersey City, NJ, igniting her enthusiasm for nurturing young artistic talent.

Amanda assumed the role of Board Chair at Wide Eyed Productions, a prominent New York-based production company dedicated to championing brave, bold, and culturally relevant new texts. Amanda’s commitment to the arts, culture, and community shines through her involvement in a range of organizations and programs, including her acceptance into NYFA’s Incubator for Arts and Culture Leaders of Color in the Tri-State for 2022. Her dedication also extends to the Broadway Coalition & Columbia Law School’s “Theater of Change: Reimagining Justice Through Abolition,” New York Cares, Daughters of Troy, and Fire Mirror Productions, where she served as an Advisor, Artist-Mentor, Producer, and Panelist, contributing to causes supporting historically marginalized and disenfranchised individuals.

However, Amanda’s remarkable journey took an extraordinary turn when she welcomed her daughter into the world. Her birthing story is one of resilience and determination. During her postpartum experience, Amanda faced significant health challenges, including a brain hemorrhage. Her journey of healing and recovery is a testament to her strength and determination to overcome adversity. Amanda’s experience as a new mother navigating health challenges, coupled with the demands of an active acting career, led her to realize the need for better support systems. “I had to use multiple resources to pick myself back up,” Amanda recounts.

Driven by her experiences, Amanda embarked on the journey to establish Creative+ – a haven for individuals who, like her, yearned for a community that nurtured their creative spirit in a secure and supportive setting. In Amanda’s own words, ‘I’m not just shaping the narrative; I am the narrative.’ Her personal encounters and educational foundation served as the catalyst for founding Creative+, a thriving community welcoming creatives, artists, cultural enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and individuals from diverse artistic and creative backgrounds.

Amanda Stephen is currently working on a short film called “Leave on a High,” produced by Moz Media Productions, alongside her role as the visionary founder of Creative+. Amanda’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to one’s dreams. Her contributions to the arts, education, and community-building continue to inspire and uplift those who have the privilege of crossing paths with her.

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About Amanda Stephen:

Amanda Stephen is a multi-hyphenate creative, first-generation Caribbean-Canadian, and naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Montclair, NJ. She is a celebrated SAG-AFTRA & Equity actress, the visionary founder of Creative+, and a former director of the Poughkeepsie Performing Arts Academy. Amanda is most widely recognized for her standout role as Alison Abdullah in the groundbreaking series “Orange is the New Black.” Her passion for the arts and education, coupled with her remarkable journey of balancing motherhood and career ambitions, has led her to create innovative programs and initiatives, such as the Creative+ (@creativeplusclub), designed to empower professionals and creatives from all walks of life.