We are so excited to welcome Adam Roy to his new role as director of the Production & Design Conservatory at CSArts-SGV! We wanted to get to know Mr. Roy, so we sat down to chat and get acquainted.
Can you tell us a little about your journey/background as an artist?
Mr. Roy’s passion for theater and the arts began when he was a high school student in Colorado. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams and attend Occidental College, where he joined the technical theater student crew that ran the college’s events. Almost immediately after graduation, he joined the professional world as a lead stage tech and worked extensively with lighting as a production electrician. “Applied math and science is really fun, and it was great to build a network in this area and grow my repertoire,” he said of the experience. He was later drawn into the world of audio engineering and became even more versatile with his skills.
Through his vast network of professionals, Mr. Roy learned about CSArts-SGV and in 2019 joined the team as a conservatory teacher in the Production & Design Conservatory. “I loved the vibe, interest, and motivation of the students. I picked up on the enjoyment of teaching. It is really challenging and fulfilling to convey these skills, and it’s so great to see those lightbulb moments,” he said.
What has been your favorite moment in your career so far?
There are two moments: First, when Mr. Roy was a lighting designer for Urinetown: The Musical at Occidental College. “It was a great show to work on, but I also got to incorporate new technology into what they’re doing there. It was really rewarding to excite the faculty for what was possible,” Mr. Roy said. The second moment was when he worked on CSArts-SGV’s 2019 all-school production of “In The Heights.” He said was nervous about this project because it was much bigger than the productions he is used to, but Mr. Roy took on the challenge with the confidence he strives to give his students.
How did you come to be the director of Production & Design at CSArts-SGV?
“I attended a Crew-baret, like a cabaret for the crew, where I met a bunch of people and heard about the teaching position,” Mr. Roy said of learning about CSArts-SGV for the very first time. “But director? That was a surprise to me.” As he reviewed the qualifications for the role, Mr. Roy realized he could take on the role and do it well.
What is your favorite part about teaching and working with CSArts-SGV students?
Mr. Roy shared that he loves working with CSArts-SGV students because they are extremely creative, well organized, and very obviously attending this school to get the most out of their education. “These kids are choosing to be involved in arts education and that just makes teaching them even more fun,” he said.
What is most important for CSArts-SGV students to know about you?
“I want them to know that I will strive to continue to provide them with an incredible experience in the classroom,” Mr. Roy said. He believes in a holistic approach to education and wants all of his students to master specific artistic and technical skills, as well as the communication and life skills that will enable them to be leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Roy is dedicated to teaching students how to be well-rounded professionals and has full confidence that his students will be kind, knowledgeable, and creative.
What are you looking forward to the most this school year?
“I’m looking forward to meeting the students I haven’t worked with yet and watching my students continue to grow,” Mr. Roy said. He is also excited about the collaborations with other conservatories this year and being involved in all of the productions.