This semester marks a grand changing of guards in Theatre Arts, as , assistant professor and resident scenic, lighting and projection designer, settles into his new role as chair of the department.

Nefertiti Burton, who had been chair since 2015, left in December to become chair of the Howard University Department of Theatre Arts.

It’s perhaps not coincidental that Gawley, who has spent his career setting the stage for others, sees his new job in much the same light.

“It’s my job to shine a light on all the excellent work that goes on here, to make sure everyone knows how truly great the work is,” he said.

Gawley, who was an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire in Scenic and Lighting Design for nine years before coming to UofL, said this new leadership opportunity came as an exciting surprise.

“I’m definitely someone who loves to get hands on, get dirty and make change,” he said.

His top priorities include improving facilities and continuing the department’s tradition of engaging in community collaborations, especially with other theatres in town. 

In a recent story, Gawley also talked about highlighting the department’s technical program.

“Although the acting students spend more time in the literal spotlight, the industry is just as reliant on the skillful technicians who help run that spotlight — and build the scenery, costumes, props and a host of other things. UofL actually has a very strong technical theater side, and Gawley hopes to help grow that part of the department, with a focus on expanded opportunities and relationships for the students in the community,” the story said.

Gawley also noted he’s not the only new kid in the department.

“In the last five years, we have. It mostly had to do with retirees, because they had been here so long,” explains Gawley. “There’s a huge history with this program, so moving forward, it’s kind of exciting to have all these fresh faces and directors. We have a new movement teacher, we have a new voice teacher, we have great talent, and so we’re looking to highlight that. There is a sense that it’s almost a hidden secret how good this program is.”

Gawley told Insider Louisville that his design work lately has a heavy focus on theatrical projection – using projectors and screens on stage.

“I’m getting more involved in projection design and trying to develop that as part of the program here,” he says.

Burton first came to UofL in 1999 from the theatre community in Boston to co-direct ���Ǵڳ�’s African American Theatre Arts Program. She , including serving as associate dean for international, diversity and outreach programs in ���Ǵڳ�’s College of Arts and Sciences. Her passion for research, teaching and community collaboration made her a beloved fixture at UofL and in Louisville’s theatre community at large.

Gawley said she had a special talent for appreciating all the needs of faculty and staff members across the department, different as they may be.

“She was a great mentor in that way,” he said.

Look for Gawley’s work in the Theatre Arts’ upcoming spring season, which opens with “,” running Jan. 26-Feb. 4. for show times and online ticket sales.

The fact that they all happen to be women ended up shaping the 2017-18 season.

“When we were selecting plays for the season, we noticed there were an abundance proposed that were written by women,” said Nefertiti Burton, department chair. “We thought, why not make it a theme and commit to it.”

So, the season became five plays, written by women.

“It’s a way for us to celebrate the new energy in our department,” Burton said.

The selections cover a wide range of experiences, perspectives and theatrical forms. 

“We’re inviting people to come and see themselves on stage, as the many, diverse women filling these roles,” Burton said.

• The season kicks off with the ’s rendition of “Miss Ida B. Wells,” Sept. 22-Oct. 1. The two-woman play, written by Endesha Ida Mae Holland and directed by Burton, powerfully depicts the life of Wells, a civil rights activist and journalist who led the fight against lynching at the turn of the century.
• ���Ǵڳ�’s , a troupe of graduate students who perform for dozens of elementary schools each year, will do a free public performance Sept. 24 of “Magic Tree,” a play written by Burton and directed by Melissa Shepherd.
• “Our Country’s Good,” Nov. 10-Nov. 19, written by Timberlake Wertenbaker and directed by Baron Kelly, is based on the true life story of a group of convicts who’ve been deported to the colony of Australia. They found themselves required to act in a production of George Farquhar’s comedy “The Recruiting Officer,” which was staged in the penal colony of New South Wales in 1789.
• In “Eurydice,” Jan. 26-Feb. 4, playwright Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Jenn Ariadne Calvano directs.
• “Fabulation: or the Re-����ֱ�� of Undine,” Feb. 23-March 4, from the African American Theatre Program, tells the story of a businesswoman whose life spirals out of control after her husband steals her money and leaves her. It was written by Lynn Nottage, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice.
• The season wraps up with “The Long Christmas Ride Home,” April 13-April 22, in which the past, present and future collide on a snowy Christmas Eve for a troubled family of five. Geoff Nelson and Charles Nasby co-direct the play by Paula Vogel, who is also a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

All plays are at Thrust Theatre, 2314 South Floyd St., except for “Our Country’s Good” and “Fabulation: or the Re-����ֱ�� of Undine,” which will run at The Playhouse, 1911 South Third St. All plays start at 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. Saturday or Sunday matinees.

To order tickets or for more information, call 502-852-6814 or click .