Congratulations to the cast of AUGUST WILSON’S FENCES opening Jan. 20 on the Hawks Mainstage! Director Denise Chapman and Associate Director TammyRa.
We're exactly one month away from opening night of AUGUST WILSON'S FENCES!
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| Headshots of Production Team |
Written by Joe Scioli
Rae McCreary joined the Theatre Tech
Apprentice Program (TTAP) at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) because she
wanted to further explore the technical aspects of theater. TTAP is a two-year
program, in collaboration with Metropolitan Community College, designed for
high school and 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.
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
Congratulations to the cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL opening Nov. 18 on the Hawks Mainstage! Directed by Susie Baer Collins, Jim McKain, and Stephen Santa.
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
When Liz returned to Westside during Adia's senior year, she signed up. Adia was unsure about college, but she wanted to learn about a career path in theater and thought she could make great connections through the TTAP program.
At first, Adia learned about the box office, props and stage
management. She realized she enjoyed stage management the most and focused on
that for the following year.
Adia especially loved working with Lara Marsh, her former
supervisor who ran the Nebraska Theater Caravan. From Lara, Adia learned about
managing the company, planning a tour and how the backstage crew worked during
tours. "She was amazing, knowledgeable and had so many experiences that
she brought to the job that made her so good at what she did. She is an amazing
teacher, and I admire her," Adia said.
TTAP did far more than teach Adia about the workings of a show. As a result of TTAP, Adia decided to attend college and pursue a degree. She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, School of Design and Production.
At TTAP, she made key business connections and lifelong friends. She still stays in touch with Greg Scheer, a production coordinator at OCP, and associates with other apprentices in her program.
What was Adia's favorite experience at TTAP? She loved working on A Christmas Carol, a 40-plus-year tradition at OCP. She appreciated that many individuals returned year after year to work on the production backstage. Christmas is Adia's favorite holiday, and she had so much fun working on the famous production. She made memories that she will remember forever.
Where is Adia now? Adia made a career change after college and is a production coordinator at Limitless Creative Design Agency. Although Adia is no longer working on performances, she uses the leadership and organization skills she developed at TTAP. She now coordinates events for Nike and other brands.
In her free time, Adia reads, plays the Animal Crossing, watches Netflix, and takes care of her two dogs and many plants.
All in all, Adia learned so many valuable life skills from the TTAP program. She is very thankful for what she learned at OCP.
Interested in learning more about TTAP? Contact the Theatre Technology Apprenticeship Director by email at ttap@omahaplayhouse.com or visit our website: https://bit.ly/OCPTTAP
