Biography
Kayleigh Truman, M.A. (they/them) is a current Ph.D. student at Rutgers University, School of Management and Labor relations. Before joining academia full time, they worked as a IATSE Local One union stagehand on and off Broadway for over 10 years. In 2023, 17+ year in professional theater culminated in the diagnosis of degenerative disk issues, which lead to a necessary career shift. They were fortunate enough to have been accepted to Rutgers SMLR, with a paid graduate research position and happily joined their second union, Rutgers AAUP-AFT. They currently concentrate their research on invisible disabilities and mental health of workers, specifically in the Entertainment Industry. Between papers and research, she still works occasionally on "& Juliet" and "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert"
When they aren't running a show, they do community outreach as a mental health activist. Certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor, Kayleigh helps facilitate mental health first aid through the Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. (https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/)
They completed their Masters in Labor Studies in 2021, through the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. Her Capstone Research centered on the Mental health of Entertainment workers during Covid.
Please find more information about her research here:
When they aren't running a show, they do community outreach as a mental health activist. Certified as a Mental Health First Aid instructor, Kayleigh helps facilitate mental health first aid through the Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative. (https://wp.behindthescenescharity.org/)
They completed their Masters in Labor Studies in 2021, through the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. Her Capstone Research centered on the Mental health of Entertainment workers during Covid.
Please find more information about her research here:
Kayleigh identifies as a disabled queer worker. Diagnosed as bipolar in adulthood, they seek to destigmatize mental health diagnoses and bring awareness to invisible disabilities.