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SALT LAKE CITY -- Two actors, audience favorites for years at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, stepped out of their costumes and into business suits Wednesday. That's because they are taking on new administrative responsibilities.
Brian Vaughn and David Ivers are gifted performers and directors. Their talents have brought audiences back time and again. Wednesday's announcement that they will also be artistic directors brought a very enthusiastic response.
Vaughn is a festival veteran of 18 years; David Ivers, for 15.
David Ivers has worked at the Festival as an actor and director for 15 seasons. He has a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre from Southern Oregon University, and a master of fine arts degree in acting from the University of Minnesota. Ivers has worked at the Oregon, Alabama, and Idaho Shakespeare festivals, as well as the Portland Center Stage, Artists Repertory Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild, Portland Repertory Theatre, and Seattle Repertory Theatre.
Brian Vaughn began working at the Festival in 1991 as an actor in The Greenshow, and has since acted in over 35 roles over 16 seasons. He holds a bachelor's of science degree in theatre arts and dance from Southern Utah University. Regional credits include American Folk Ballet, Arizona Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, Red Bull Theatre, The Skylight Opera, and Theatre at the Center. He currently serves on the board for the Southern Utah University College of Performing and Visual Arts.
"I've had the honor to wear many, many outfits -- more tights than I care to admit, and a slew of hats, but this one, this outfit that I'm wearing today is by far the most humbling," Ivers said.
Vaughn, a Southern Utah University graduate, paid tribute to his theatre professor, the festival's founder.
"Mr. Adams, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your vision, your enthusiasm and, most of all, your friendship," Vaughn said. "You have been an instrumental part of my journey at both Southern Utah University and the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and I am honored to carry on your legacy."
Their association with the festival has brought audiences from near and far. They made them laugh and cry in the two-man play "Stones in His Pockets." Vaughn brought them to their feet in "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Hamlet." Ivers put them in the aisles in "Servant of Two Masters."
That creativity, many believe, will bring new ideas as the festival approaches its 50th anniversary.
"I'll get to see this phase, which I think this is the festival's life insurance," festival founder Fred Adams said.
Ivers and Vaughn have already created an Artistic Initiative Fund and are enlisting the help of other performers. Singer/songwriter Michael McLean will donate all proceeds from a benefit concert this December.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
