Paul Mitchell Schools have confirmed a superstar lineup for their 29th annual Las Vegas Caper event, including comedian and inspirational speaker Kathy Buckley, actor John Autry, and motivational speaker and author Lizzie Velasquez.
Held February 10–12, 2014, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the smoke-free, alcohol-free, hands-on educational extravaganza will draw roughly 2,500 students (they call them “future professionals”) who earned their way by selling specially packaged Paul Mitchell products to cover the expenses of the event.
Gifted comedienne, award-winning actress, accomplished author, and renowned inspirational speaker Kathy Buckley returns to Caper for the third year to share her powerful message of courage and hope. Born deaf but misdiagnosed as mentally retarded, Kathy’s inspiring story and tireless work for the No Limits theater program for deaf children have made her a huge favorite among the Paul Mitchell future professionals.
John Autry, a young deaf actor widely known for his appearances on Glee, returns to the Caper stage this year. “John is the reason we have No Limits today,” Kathy Buckley says. At age seven, John began working with Michelle Christie-Adams, a highly qualified teacher dedicated to bringing speech to deaf and hearing-impaired children. When she discovered how much John loved music and performing, Michelle started the No Limits theater group especially for him. Since then, No Limits has been featured in the New York Times, Newsday, Oprah, and other media outlets.
Making her first Caper appearance, Lizzie Velasquez has a rare medical condition that doesn’t let her gain weight or create muscle. At age 24, she weighs 60 pounds and has zero percent body fat. When an Internet video calling her “The World’s Ugliest Woman” went viral, Lizzie set out to discover what truly makes people beautiful. Now a popular author, speaker, and college graduate, Lizzie shares her story around the world.
With a theme of “Decades of Style”, this year’s two-day Caper event features nonstop education, motivation, inspiration, and fashion. Students will be treated to world-class presentations and hands-on classroom rotations featuring top artists, educators, and artistic directors from inside and outside the Paul Mitchell world.
CAPER EVENT SCHEDULE
Future Professionals arrive, check in, and pick up their swag bags on February 10, then visit the Mall and Career Connection to mingle with salon representatives, see mini demonstrations on styling and cutting, practice their interview skills, and learn about career opportunities throughout the world because this year, with the addition of Slovenia’s Mic Styling salons, the Career Connection goes international.
On Tuesday, February 11, Paul Mitchell Co-founder and CEO John Paul DeJoria, Co-owner Angus Mitchell, Global Artistic Director Robert Cromeans, and Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Co-founder Winn Claybaugh kick Caper off with a warm welcome, followed by five fashion presentations featuring Paul Mitchell Vice President of Education Stephanie Kocielski and many other Paul Mitchell artists, educators, artistic directors, students, and staff, plus a special presentation by NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Vivienne Mackinder.
Led by school owners, salon owners, and Paul Mitchell international educators Rosie Matos and Alee Cao, members of the student Design Team will appear in four segments. They’ll do hair, makeup, and modeling in the barbering segment, led by Learning Leader and Men’s Cutting Specialist Fernie Andong and Advanced Academy Cutting Team Leader and school owner Mike Helm, and in the long hair “Crimp and Braid”) segment, under the direction of Rosie Matos and school owner Alee Cao. Future Professionals will also cut hair in the color segment and model in Vivienne Mackinder’s presentation. Day one ends with a favorite Paul Mitchell tradition: the White Party, where Future Professionals can enjoy “photo ops” with their favorite educators and dance the night away. Overall show coordinators are Brennan Claybaugh, Director of Education for Paul Mitchell Schools and Advanced Academy, and Stephen Wortham, Director of Events for John Paul Mitchell Systems.
Wednesday, February 12 features hands-on classroom rotations and a closing show filled with fun, fashion, and special presentations. Cosmetology students rotate through three 2-hour classes (Cutting, Color, Look and Learn). Skin care students spend their day in Hands-On Makeup.
- –Motivation: John Paul DeJoria, Winn Claybaugh, Angus Mitchell, Sam Burns, Giulio Veglio
- –Hands-On Cutting: Jason Reyes, Rosie Matos, Dave Holland, Scott Cole, Julian Perlingiero, and Casandra Cutter
- –Hands-On Color: Linda Yodice, Heather Ka’anoi, Lucie Doughty, Stephanie Kocielski, Colin Caruso, and Cassandra Sanchez
- –Look & Learn: Angus Mitchell, Robert Cromeans, Takashi Kitamura, and Vivienne Mackinder
- –Hands-On Makeup: Devri Ficklin and Debra Dietrich
- –Special Guest: Kathy Buckley
Day two concludes with a grand finale presentation starring the show teams from A Robert Cromeans Salon (with special guest Angus Mitchell), Lunatic Fringe, Kelly Cardenas Salons, and Supercuts.
