Ava Malia (she/her) is currently a senior undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University, studying Lighting Design.
Born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawai'i, Ava grew up surrounded by vibrant colors wherever she looked.
Ava began studying ballet at the age of three and spent most of her childhood taking classes with Alexander Academy of Performing Arts and Seabury Hall. As she continued to attend shows around Maui, she eventually fell in love with lighting design for its ability to manipulate human figures with color and shadow. She has found that having a technical background in various styles of dance has given her a great sense of rhythm and timing. Growing up surrounded by the vibrant natural colors found everywhere on Maui has also pushed her to think about theatrical lighting in abstract ways. Both of these experiences have greatly aided her education as a designer.
Studying lighting design at Carnegie Mellon University has provided Ava with a strong technical foundation in theatrical design. She has now worked as a lighting designer for theater and dance, a master electrician, a programmer, as well as an assistant designer and master electrician. Working in these roles has given Ava the tools she needs to be a successful member of any production. Ava has also been a production intern for the American Dance Festival, where she sharpened her skills outside of the University.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in May, Ava hopes to work with a dance company or concert artist and is very open to touring.
Outside of the theater, Ava enjoys hiking, dancing, photography, and traveling to new places.