MFA LIGHTING DESIGNER RYAN DAVIES DELIVERS THESIS DESIGN: A CHORUS LINE

Regular patrons of the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center will recognize Ryan Davies' name. A third-year MFA lighting design student, Davies has presented excellent work in a wide variety of theatrical genres. From the reality-based contemporary dramas Proof and “MASTER HAROLD”…and the boys to the period style of Arcadia to the rock concert flash of Bat Boy: The Musical, Davies has thrived in a wide variety of styles. Now he presents his final IU design, helping to create the world of A Chorus Line.

When asked why he sought out the musical for his thesis production, Davies responded, "It seemed like a logical progression. I've had the pleasure of working on several types of productions at IU, and this rounded out my experience. By the time I leave I will have designed three [plays] and two musicals, which is a nice balance. Also, A Chorus Line is just a fun production. It leaves lots of creative opportunities.” The play also reunites Davies with director-choreographer George Pinney, with whom he collaborated on Bat Boy. “I enjoy the fact that he can tell me what he's looking for in a concise way,” says Davies. Pinney's specificity has been a great benefit to the young designer, while not being restrictive. “He still allows me to experiment,” the designer says.

A Chorus Line presents a daunting challenge for any lighting designer, as the original production practically redefined what the lighting design for a musical could be. “When Chorus Line debuted it set a new standard for what lighting could do,” Davies says. “All musicals since Chorus Line have had to live up to that standard. To revisit that production is a big honor, but also a big responsibility.”

As if moving from graduate school to the professional environment were not enough of a life change, Davies is preparing to take another major step in his life: marriage. This summer Davies will wed IU Theatre alumnus Kerry Kyle, who audiences may remember from her performance in The Laramie Project. Following their wedding the two will move to Chicago where Davies will set out on a career as a freelance lighting designer. Having already made contacts in the area, Davies is confident that his IU education will pay great dividends in the Windy City .

• The People of the Production
• Press Release
• A CHORUS LINE Homepage
• IU BROADWAY CABARET TO PRESENT BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
• "Behind the Line, Not Just Another Reality Show" a preshow talk by Jacobs School of Music professor Vincent Liotta