Shining a Light

Shannon Zura has been living the arts for decades. A former associate professor and theater chair at the University of Southern Maine, Zura brings to Ursinus more than 20 years of professional experience in lighting, sound, and scenic design, including award-winning work in Houston’s Museum of Natural Science.

As an 18-year-old computer science major at Cameron University in her home state of Oklahoma, Zura was secretly conscripted by her best friend to audition for the school play. “The director called my name,” she recalls. “It was the most terrifying experience in the world.” Zura’s surprise audition landed her a role as Sarah, a talking lizard, in Edward Albee’s Seascape.

“I remember feeling the light and feeling like I was on a beach,” says Zura, “and then I put it together that, wow, this is a creation made by Scott Hoffman, who was the designer at the time who did lights.” After that, Zura began to explore more opportunities backstage, which she found more interesting. “It was a whole world that opened up to me.”

As a first-generation college student working her way through college, Zura built an impressive skill set. She interviewed artists and politicians on NPR; directed shows; designed sets, lights, and sound; and even took a year off to complete an apprenticeship at the Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia before returning to Oklahoma to apprentice twice at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City.

“I really used my undergraduate career to explore the world and life,” says Zura. “I still approach life in that way, because I love learning.” Most recently, her projects have included a collaboration with three self-initiated majors in theater design and technology on stop-motion animated projections for the college’s 2021 production of Kissing the Witch. Zura is always trying new things in the classroom, as well as on the stage and screen. “I absolutely see the importance of educating yourself, to find out who you are and what your passions are.”

Today, Zura teaches, mentors, and continues to work professionally in theater year-round. She always tries to foster in students that bon vivant boldness that inspired her vivid undergrad experience. “I try to provide that same experience for students because it was so special to me.”