Written by Joe Scioli
Kaylan Paisley, a 2004 graduate of the Theater Technology Apprenticeship Program
(TTAP) at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP), who has worked as a hair stylist for Broadway shows in New York City, has excellent memories from her time in the TTAP program.
TTAP is a two-year program designed for high school & early college students. Apprentices are
given comprehensive insight into the technical careers of the entertainment industry through a
blend of classroom and hands-on shop training.
Paisley was attending high school at Millard
North when she made the choice to participate in the TTAP program. Paisley had a friend that
had completed the TTAP program, and the friend told Paisley all about it and how there were no
cons of doing the program.
As a TTAP participant, Paisley learned about props and wardrobes.
Prior to the apprenticeship, Paisley knew how to sew but she was not familiar with the
backstage world of shows.
In the TTAP program, Paisley learned many lessons. One of the most important lessons
she learned was to work hard. Paisley said, “I had no idea what it takes to put on a show. If
there is one weak link in the chain, it will not work. I would not be where I am without the
apprenticeship program.” TTAP taught Paisley the importance of a good work ethic, and she
learned that it is crucial for every show to have a great manager.
In addition, Paisley received a
comprehensive education about the workings of a show and the skills that one must have to
help make a show successful. She still uses many of these valuable skills today. “The
apprenticeship opened my eyes to a career that I didn’t even know existed,” Paisley proclaimed.
She added that assisting with a show is the perfect job for her because there is nothing she loves more than running shows. “TTAP really shaped who I am today,” Paisley said.
Of equal importance, Paisley especially loved the wonderful group of people she was
surrounded by in the program. She particularly admired Lynette Latchford, Amy Reiner, John
Gibilisco and Greg Scheer. Paisley made so many new friends, and the TTAP program
connected her to the theater community. Paisley still keeps in touch with many of the people that she
met in the TTAP program.
Paisley was asked what could be done to make the TTAP experience even better.
Paisley responded, “I just loved my experience so much that I’m really not sure if I would
change anything.”
After the TTAP program, Paisley studied at North Carolina School of the Arts from
2004-2008. Paisley said, “Without the apprenticeship program, I would not have gotten into the
University of North Carolina School of the Arts.” Paisley said the school allowed her to meet the
right people and secure her job today. North Carolina School of the Arts had a 100 percent job
placement. Yes, you heard that right. 100 percent job placement.
At North Carolina School of the Arts, Paisley received her bachelor's degree in wig and
make-up design for theater and film. Paisley returned to Omaha and OCP each summer as
a college student to help run shows such as Chicago and Ragtime.
After graduating from
college, Paisley was on the road for about 10 years helping with various shows including Cats,
101 Dalmatians, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Evita and Legally Blonde. Thereafter, she
moved to Las Vegas to work on Cirque du Soleil. After Vegas, Paisley moved to New York
where she currently lives. Paisley was the Hair Department Head for Radio City Hall’s
Christmas Spectacular. Paisley worked on Broadway shows such as Anastasia, Spongebob,
Waitress and Caroline or Change. Paisley currently works for the NBC television show,
Blacklist, and assists with the soundtrack at Saturday Night Live.
Away from theater, Paisley loves to play tennis and watch Broadway shows. Although
Paisley very much enjoys assisting with Broadway shows, her dream job is retirement!
Paisley’s gratitude for the apprenticeship program is unmatched, and she can’t wait to do
what she can to continue to support OCP.
Interested in learning more about the TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology
Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or visit our website:
https://bit.ly/OCPTTA
