Shivangi Sinha
Prime Video’s ‘Shiny Happy People: A Teenage Holy War’ sheds light on the numerous allegations and controversies surrounding Teen Mania Ministries. The documentary features interviews with several individuals who participated in the ministry’s events during their youth. Among them is Corey Wright, who reflected on his experiences and challenges, particularly in relation to his identity as a Black man within the ministry’s culture. He discussed how he was treated, the attitudes he encountered, and how these shaped his understanding of faith and self during his time there.
Corey Wright Never Truly Settled Into Teen Mania Ministries
Corey Wright shared that he was raised in a deeply religious household as both of his parents served as pastors. Church wasn’t just a Sunday routine, but it was the foundation of his life and community. So, when he first encountered the energy and excitement surrounding the Acquire the Fire events, he was captivated, particularly by the charisma of Ron Luce. The blend of powerful music and emotional worship gave him a space to express himself, especially through dance, which had always been his outlet. It felt like a natural and thrilling extension of his spiritual upbringing.
However, Corey’s journey within Teen Mania Ministries wasn’t without conflict. As a young African American boy surrounded predominantly by white peers, he found himself grappling with a sense of erasure. He recalled being told not to braid his hair, as it was considered “sinful,” and noticing the complete lack of racial awareness in the teachings and culture. There was no room for diverse identities. Corey began to feel that the unspoken expectation was for teenagers to completely abandon their individuality, including racial identity, in favor of a homogenous spiritual mold. For him, this meant feeling pressured to set aside who he was as a Black person to be accepted within the community and that is why he left.
Corey Wright is Working as a Creative in Different Fields Today
Initially pursuing a conventional path, Corey Wright began his professional journey by enrolling at Florida Metropolitan University in 2004, where he studied Business Administration. He sought the traditional college experience, but over time, his passion for the creative arts began to outshine his original plans. In 2010, he landed his first on-screen opportunity in a short film titled ‘An Anomaly of the Theory.’ That experience sparked a wave of momentum, leading to more work in short films and eventually his breakout role in ‘East West Players’ in 2014. That same year, he was also cast in ‘Gays: The Series.’ In October 2015, Corey transitioned into writing, creating projects like ‘Cheetah in August’ and ‘Man Over Boy.’
His creative reach extended further when he began working with Ascendant Media Group as a screenwriter in 2016, and with SpeedReels as both a writer and project developer. From 2017 to 2018, Corey also graced the Broadway stage and added another feather to his versatile career. His love for performance and storytelling brought him into academia as well. Between 2021 and 2022, he served as a Director and Choreographer for UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television’s production of ‘Pippin.’ He remains affiliated with UCLA in the same capacity and also teaches as an Adjunct Jazz Dance Instructor at Chapman University. Additionally, he is a seasoned script analyst and is helping emerging writers bring their stories to life.
His written work includes ‘The Perfect Plan,’ released in 2019, and he has contributed to productions at Welk Resorts Theatre, Fullerton College, and New Cannon Theatre. His screen appearances include ‘General Hospital’ and ‘The Prom.’ From 2019 to 2024, Corey also hosted a podcast titled ‘Meanwhile on the Farm,’ which tackled complex and timely issues involving gender, sexuality, education, politics, and systemic oppression. Today, he is a multifaceted creative who writes, directs, performs, and educates.
Corey Wright is Pursuing a Master’s in the Mental Health Field
Corey Wright’s foray into the world of mental health began in earnest in 2023 when he worked as a research assistant for MENTAL. This experience sparked a deeper passion within him to serve communities that are often underserved when it comes to mental wellness, including LGBTQ+ individuals, African American populations, entertainers, and those raised in religious spaces. In January 2023, he enrolled at Capella University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Counseling. Dedicated to advancing his knowledge and impact, he became an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, Counselors for Social Justice, and the Association for Creativity in Counseling.
His goal is to develop culturally aware and community-specific mental health tools that meet people where they are. Continuing this trajectory, Corey began a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University in February 2024. With a specialization in Telehealth Counseling, Private Practice, and Supervision, he is on track to graduate in February 2026. His long-term vision includes building platforms that focus on recovery, identity reclamation, and creative healing. In addition to his academic pursuits, Corey is developing a digital platform to explore conversations around healing and recovery. Through this work, he hopes to create open dialogue, advocate for more inclusive therapy practices, and provide education and support to marginalized groups.
Read More: Phil Boltz: Where is the Teen Mania Survivor Now?
