Chapman community reflects on professor Don Guy’s legacy
Don Guy, professor of entertainment technology, passed away April 24, prompting the Chapman community to reflect on memories they had of the talented lighting technician. Photo courtesy of Jean Taber
The night of April 28, Nathan Reynoso received one of the most devastating Outlook notifications of his Chapman academic career. Staring at his phone in shock, his glassy eyes read the words of the subject line: “Passing of associate professor Don Guy.”
While digesting the information, the senior theater technology major was swallowed by a wave of phone calls and text messages from fellow colleagues and peers.
“All the theater tech colleagues had a Zoom call immediately after the notice of his passing was sent out,” Reynoso said. “That alone shows how much he created an inclusive environment for us.”
Chapman Provost Glenn Pfeiffer notified the rest of the university May 1 of associate professor of entertainment technology Don Guy’s death April 24. Forwarding the email sent out by Giulio Ongaro, the dean of the College of Performing Arts, the message informed students that Guy passed in his home in the arms of his wife and Chapman dance professor Alicia Guy.
During his time at Chapman, the email explained, Guy and his wife created a partnership with Cirque du Soleil and curated an innovative interdisciplinary course, “Technology for Live Performance.” The pair also co-taught various summer travel courses to provide an immersive learning experience for their students. As a prolific lighting designer, lighting programmer and system designer for cruise lines, magic, dance, theater, themed entertainment, theme parks and architectural projects, Guy’s work can be seen across six continents and 48 U.S. states, according to Pfeiffer’s email.
Alicia Guy declined a phone interview with The Panther, but expressed gratitude toward the larger Chapman community in a statement via email.
“I have been overwhelmed and so very touched by the beautiful stories, thoughtful memories and personal notes I’ve received from so many colleagues, alumni and students sharing the positive impact Don had on them,” Alicia wrote on May 7. “Since grad school, one of our dreams was to work, teach and create together. I am so grateful we were able to do all of that and so blessed to have done it with my husband, my best friend, my favorite colleague and my number one lighting designer.”
“I have been overwhelmed and so very touched by the beautiful stories, thoughtful memories and personal notes I’ve received from so many colleagues, alumni and students sharing the positive impact Don had on them. Since grad school, one of our dreams was to work, teach and create together. I am so grateful we were able to do all of that and so blessed to have done it with my husband, my best friend, my favorite colleague and my number one lighting designer.”
One of those stories came from Kimberly Weber, a Chapman 2011 alumna. As a former student of Guy’s and current stage management lecturer at Chapman, Weber reflected on the profound mark Guy made on her life over the years, crediting her accomplishments and the success of Chapman’s theater technology department to him.
When she and her sister Kristin were students at Chapman, the two realized stage management was a career they wanted to explore, Weber said, but at the time, the university didn’t have those opportunities within the curriculum. They visited Guy’s office and he worked to add a host of courses on lights and state management. Eventually, the two became part of the first class at Chapman to graduate with a theater technology degree.
“If it wasn't for him listening to us as young students and him really wanting to support and champion us throughout our careers, the current technicians at Chapman wouldn't have the resources that they do today and I wouldn’t be teaching stage management at Chapman now,” Weber said.
Weber currently teaches stage management in room 149 in Moulton Hall, the exact room she first met and took a class with Guy in during her undergraduate years at Chapman.
Reminiscing on Guy’s 16-year Chapman career, theater professor Thomas Bradac was impressed with Guy’s impeccable ability to turn dirt into diamonds. Bradac proclaimed that every theatrical play he managed became an inherent work of art.
“In 2008, Chapman's production of ‘The Tempest’ was recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival,” Bradac said. “It was not built to tour, but Don took both the initiative and his own expertise and was able to move the set from the Waltmar Theater to (California State University), Los Angeles, to be seen and recognized as a regional participant in that festival. He basically had 24 hours to do it; it was almost miraculous.”
Reynoso, now a graduating senior, knew Guy since his days as a freshman. Taking two classes with him and constantly visiting his office to seek support, Reynoso said he absorbed a wealth of knowledge from Guy. But there’s one conversation that sticks in his mind the most.
“When I first met with him, he was describing all the shows he's worked on and I asked him what his favorite show was and he told me, ‘It’s always the next one,’” Reynoso said. “That just stuck with me because I never thought of it that way, how you want to always seek and always push yourself to create something new.”
“When I first met with him, he was describing all the shows he’s worked on and I asked him what his favorite show was and he told me, ‘It’s always the next one. That just stuck with me because I never thought of it that way, how you want to always seek and always push yourself to create something new.”
Weber, recalling the last moment she had with Guy, told The Panther the two sat down for lunch at Rutabegorz on North Glassell Street, a common meeting spot during their 10-year friendship.
“Right as we were getting the check, he asked for a Lone Ranger cookie and then looked at me and said, ‘They’re my favorite,’” Weber said. “So, if anyone’s thinking of Don, go to Rutabegorz and get a Lone Ranger cookie.”
A few days after hearing the news of his passing, she did just that. Weber strolled down to Rutabegorz, bought Lone Ranger cookies for her and her sister and devoured them in honor of Guy.
“Don would approve,” Weber remembered thoughtfully.