Hello, welcome to my website! I am excited to share more about myself as An arts and entertainment manager, administrative assistant, and creative thinker.
My Bio
Kelsey Byrd grew up dancing at a local studio in Rogers, Arkansas. There, she found her passion for dance and the arts. After high school graduation, she headed to Oklahoma City University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Dance Management. At OCU, Kelsey held leadership positions in student organizations such as Students of Arts Management and Alpha Chi Omega. She also worked in the Dance and Entertainment costume shop, leading her to work multiple summers in the wardrobe department at the Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute. She is currently working with a start-up company called TuneHatch and doing freelance stage management in the Boston area while earning her master’s in Arts Administration from Boston University.
Dance
Dance is integral to my past, present, and future life. I began dancing at 11 after trying LOTS of childhood activities. It was the first thing I saw, and I told my parents I wanted to do. From then on, it became my passion and what I did with all of my time during school. I decided to audition and attend the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment to pursue an education in dance and the arts. My time at the Ann Lacy School solidified my decision to study the arts, deepened my passion, and allowed me to see myself as a professional in the industry.
Education
Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Arts Administration from Boston University. The degree program is building upon the foundation I built during my undergraduate degree and allowing me to continue learning the nuances of the arts and entertainment Industry.
My education at the Ann Lacy School shaped the professional that I am. I took coursework in Production levels I, II, II, Stage Management, Costume Lab, Management of Non-Profit Arts Organizations, Development and Fundraising, Dance Health, Dance History, Teaching Strategies, Choreography Theory, Touring Performing Arts Organizations, and many business courses. These classes introduced me to areas all over the entertainment industry and allowed me to solidify that I love the arts no matter where my place in the industry is. I am a lifelong learner and will continue to learn throughout my career.
Travel
My earliest memories involve travel, and when I think back to my childhood, my favorite memories are of when I was somewhere new, exploring new things with those I love the most. I am eternally grateful to my parents, who recognized the importance of travel and provided my brothers and me with the experience of seeing the world. A few of my favorite locations are Chiang Mai, Thailand; Monteverde, Costa Rica; and Barcelona, Spain. I could fully immerse myself in the culture and explore what the locals love in each place. As I venture into my adult life, it will include travel. I will continue to find the places and cultures that bring me joy.