Kayla Kim Votapek (She/Her/Hers) was born in South Korea and was raised in Union, New Jersey. She is a Korean Adoptee who's upbringing included multiracial experiences. Her identity has shaped her goals and values throughout her life.
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Kayla is an Anti-Racist Facilitator & Creative Producer who specializes in anti-racism work through the lens of intersectionality. She is currently using the power of storytelling to educate individuals on race, mental health, intersectionality, multiracial identities and mixed families (i.e.: adoption, multi-generation, multiracial parents, interracial relationships, upbringing etc.)

Kayla received her Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts, Psychology, and Education as a Social Science from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She obtained her Master’s degree in Creative Producing from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, UK. Her time at Central included a Call to Action to the President of the School, Gavin Henderson. She led a walk out with support from staff & students to bring awareness of EDI issues. 

A month later, she was invited to Theatre Communication Group’s National Conference where she lead the Mixed Race & Mixed Identity Affinity Space and was a part of the Walkout & Call to Action to stop Yellowface at The Muny. ​ 

​Those events motivated Kayla to become an Anti-Racist facilitator. Her Anti-Racist ethos is to be aware that racism is embedded in our society and to use her power to educate, prevent harm, and encourage healing that moves us towards liberation. Kayla's ethos is always the heart of her work. 

Theatre Communication Group's Color Blind vs Color Conscious Casting​ Workshop at Maymount

Kayla is currently leading multiple workshops for Conscientious Theatre Training (Nicole Brewer's Anti-Racist Theatre Trainings) and Equity Quotient. Previously, she facilitated Anti-Racist workshops and Mixed Race & Mixed Identity Affinity Space for Theatre Communication Group, Mason Gross School of The Arts, Rutgers University, Marymount, Malloy College, and The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). 
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​As a Creative Producer, Kayla believes in the practice of decolonizing what Art has historically meant. She is challenging the standards and the stigma of Art by allowing individuals to imagine a diverse range of activities that express conceptual ideas, technical skills, and individuals' stories intended to be appreciated for their emotional power and aesthetic. She encourages and produces work that finds artistic and innovative ways to use the power of storytelling to bring to light untold stories. She is currently working on multiple projects that will soon be announced. 

This has also lead her to become Associate Director of Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory at Rutgers University, Associate Producer of  Stream On! Productions, and Social Media Support for CAATA (Consortium of Asian American Theatres & Artists). ​

Crossroads Theatre Company's Production of Paul Robeson with Rutgers Summer Acting Conservatory Alumni 

In addition, Kayla serves on multiple committees including ArtPride New Jersey's Strategic Planning Committee, New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Committee, New Jersey Theatre Alliance Stage Festival's Committee, and New Jersey Theatre Alliance's New Jersey's Arts and Culture Administrators of Color. 
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​Previously, Kayla was the Associate Producer at The Tony Award winning® Crossroads Theatre Company which has allowed her to use production skills to produce an abundant amount of high-quality productions.

As a Producer, Anti-Racist Facilitator, and Arts Administrator, she has had the pleasure of working with numerous award-winning organizations and companies, such as The Broadway League, The American Theatre Wing, Theatre Communication Group, Paper Mill Playhouse, Two River Theater, Portland Opera,  Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Gibney Dance, The Wilbury Theatre Group, The League of Historic American Theatres,  Cleveland Public Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Local USA 829, TADA! Youth Theatre, THE RIDE,  and Improbable. ​ ​

​Through authenticity and boldness, she strives to encourage determination, openness, trust, and bravery by bringing a sense of community to everyone. Her ambition is to nurture, educate, and support growth, both creatively and personally.

Kayla inspires to make a difference in the world by creating art and facilitating workshops that uplift marginalized voices, tell intersectional stories, and assist others on their personal journey in life. ​

Asian and Asian American Theatre Artists at The Public Theater's Performance of Soft Power by ​David Henry Hwang