Arts Manager
As a dance and arts management major at Oklahoma City University, Kayla has found that her passion for the arts and creativity extends beyond performing on a stage. Through various roles and exploration as a stage manager, assistant production manager, and lighting operator/designer, she's found joy in getting to step behind the table and use her skills to assist with events and productions.
Leading with Professionalism
As an arts manager, I value being someone whom people can trust. I positively contribute to artistic spaces by prioritizing organization, clear communication, and a willingness to learn.
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Since it is my goal to pursue opportunities both on and off the stage, I look forward to a career where I can continually grow as an artist, technician, teacher, and manager.
Recent Accomplishments and Projects
Light Board Operator: Community Dance Academy Showcase
The Community Dance Academy offers dance classes for students in the Oklahoma City area and is run by students at OCU. This year, Kayla had the opportunity to operate and help design the lights for their annual showcase.
Assistant Production Manager: Star Dance Company
As an assistant production manager for the Star Dance Company, I gained valuable experience leading load-in and strike, as well as being a liaison between the production crew and the production manager. This role significantly expanded my technical theater knowledge and required strong leadership and communication skills.
Students of Arts Management: Member
Students of Arts Management is an organization within the Ann Lacy School of American Dance & Entertainment, focused on education and professional growth in arts management. As a member, Kayla has gotten the opportunity to meet and learn from many professionals in the entertainment industry about their experiences as skilled artists and managers.
Stage Manager/Event Coordinator: Wagner Summer Theater
My time at Wagner Summer Theater has been one of the most enjoyable yet. In my position, I get to help plan and coordinate summer camps, coordinate with volunteers, and keep track of teacher and camp needs. Requiring lots of organization, time management, and creativity, this role has taught me how to be calm under pressure and a problem-solver.
College Green Captain: Broadway Green Alliance
Out of an interest in improving sustainability practices across campus and specifically in performing arts spaces at OCU, Kayla decided to join the Broadway Green Alliance College Green Captain program. In doing so, she now has a team of green captains who are looking forward to taking the action needed to improve sustainability in the theater at OCU!
Des Moines Community Playhouse Intern
In addition to creating lesson plans, as an intern at DMCP, Kayla has also gained experience in event planning, archiving, organizing, and more. Highlights included getting to help with preparations for the 2025 American Association of Community Theater Festival and getting trained on how to use Q-Lab (a software program typically used for sound design).