Once upon a time…

When I was four years old, my family took me to a touring production of "My Fair Lady." As the story goes, I was entranced and managed to impress many veteran theatergoers with my ability to remain wide awake and fidget-free during the entire production. And I continued spending my younger days watching old classics on VHS. At age six I got my hands on a copy of the cast recording of “Annie.” I was in love! Like any curly redheaded kid! My constant singing prompted my parents to take action and channel my energy into private voice lessons. 

And so the story began…

The road was not without its bumps, of course. Stage fright plagued me until I was about 13 years old.  I would kick and scream any time I had to attend an audition but was perfectly fine singing in front of people all by myself during a recital. It’s a mystery that years later I still do not understand.

I involved myself in drama and dance in high school, performed at my local community theatres, and attended summer theatre camps during my teen years. All of my pursuits in the performing arts blossomed into a career choice, and I made the decision to attend California University of PA as a Theatre major with a minor in Dance. I submersed myself in the college experience and learned quickly that "making it big" was not how I would define my success. For me, success and happiness came from being in the theatre business, and I was grateful to experience all aspects of theatre production.

Then in 2010, I moved to Columbus, OH for work, which started my career. I was working and auditioning professionally in and out of the state for years. But what kept me motivated the most was theatre education. I loved watching my students grow as performers! They were all so motivated, which motivated me and helped me find my motto as a coach and performer - “preach what I practice.”

All in all, I have to say my years as a professional actress and theatre educator/ coach, so far, have been challenging yet thrilling! But, of course, who would have thought the world would face a major pandemic? Back in 2020, I decided to move back home to PA. It’s not as glum as it sounds. I moved back home where my love of theatre all began. I haven’t graced a stage since 2019, but have gotten back into the groove of auditioning in person, and I can’t wait for that next performance!

I am currently busy in all different types of jobs like being a Standardized Patient/ Simulator and Standardized Patient Coordinator with different medical schools in PA, OH, and MO, a theatre educator and a private audition coach with Pittsburgh CLO Academy, and a small business owner/ upcycler of Braid Away!

My theatre story has gone in all kinds of different directions, so who knows how the rest of my story will go? You’ll just have to keep checking back to see what I am up to!

Peace,

Kaitlin Marie Slaney