The Ladies of the Warehouse
What can I say about Jamie that won’t sound like a sappy love story. She eats my food, insists on breast bumping and tries to keep it together without tripping over herself or someone else. In all seriousness, Jamie is the epitome of a woman who is driven, excels and always finds a way to create something truly amazing. Jamie’s story goes all the way back to Middle School, when in 7th grade she surprised everyone by saying she wanted to be an actress, not a professional basketball player (true story). Her passion for theatre grew when she entered high school and became an integral part of the theatre program, not only acting but building sets and leading the backstage crew as well as learning how to be an Assistant Director.
Emerson College was the true starting point of Jamie turning theatre and entertainment into a career by earning a Bachelor of Arts in theatrical studies with a focus on acting. Along side that she studied scenic painting, directing, lighting and stage combat, a craft that she has continued to develop through workshops and personal study. In 2013, Jamie decided to come to Las Vegas to scope out the theatre world and stumbled into Super Summer Theatre (SST) and began volunteering for The Music Man by Huntsman Entertainment. Deciding that this was the city to be in, she continued to return to Las Vegas each summer to volunteer to work with SST, before moving here permanently in 2015.
This is where it gets interesting. In 2015, Huntsman Entertainment approached my build partner and I to build their Tarzan set for the SST summer season program. Whilst installing the set at the SST studios I met Jamie and that was the beginning of a beautiful relationship, both personal and professional. I remember watching her work the stage, making sure every element was in its place and hustling the crew into becoming a well oiled machine. I knew then that she was truly exceptional and would go places very few people would achieve. When I spoke to her about other upcoming shows, I believe my words were “I want you on my team, I don’t care what it takes, you’re mine”, she smiled and said “OK” and that was that.
Fast forward to 2019, after countless shows, too many build hours to calculate and weeks of tech rehearsals and performances, we formed an inseparable bond. In late 2019, I was asked to join the “Illusionists” tour that was going to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia as the Stage Manager. After the six week tour ended, I was immediately called upon to join the North American Illusionists Holiday Tour to assess the running of the Props Department. It only took about 30 mins to realize that the department was in need of an overhaul and I insisted that they bring in my right hand girl: Jamie Ahlborn. Together we fixed shit and got it up to the standard befitting a professional tour. Three weeks later, I voluntarily stepped down as Head of Department: Props and thrust Jamie into the position, I’m still not sure whether she’s forgiven me for that..
Remember when I said she would excel.? Well, Jamie did and was beloved by all so much so that she was asked if she would return for the Spring leg of the tour. I could not have been more proud. She was doing everything I knew she was capable of, and was amazing in her position of Head of Department: Props. Then COVID-19 reared it’s very ugly head and the world stopped. Since then she has been keeping herself busy by build the set for A Public Fit’s production of “Sense and Sensibility” (performance dates TBD).
On a final note, I could go on and on about Jamie. Not only is she one of my best friends, she is a work colleague, a leader and is now becoming a mentor to others whose dream is to work in the entertainment industry. The natural way we work is always fluid and coherent and I’ve only had to kick her ass once, in the five years we’ve been working together. Jamie’s combat skills are honed and on point and if any of you out there want to learn how to beat the crap out of your opponent (acting, of course), she’s your girl. Keep an eye out for upcoming Stage Combat Workshops with Jamie. We are hoping to have the first workshop this Fall.!
Stay tuned for more of the “What’s Next” series
with next weeks special guest:
The Man, The Dude, The Silver Fox
Mr. Steve Paladie