Ava Malia

Lighting Designer

2026, she/her BFA Drama, Lighting Design

Ava Malia (she/her) is a lighting designer, programmer, draftsperson and electrician. Born and raised on the island of Maui, Hawai’i, she was surrounded by the most vibrant colors and light wherever she looked. 

When she began her journey as a lighting designer, she fell in love with its ability to manipulate human figures with color and shadow. She has always had a passion for dance, and has found that having a technical background in various styles of dance has given her a great sense of rhythm and timing. Ava is interested in continuing to bring light to music and movement driven work.

Work Samples

Friday Night Funkin’

Choreographed by Nyree Binns
Lighting Design by Ava Malia
CMU School of Drama – January 2025

A Bright New Boise

By Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Cole Schubert
Lighting Design by Ava Malia
CMU School of Drama – February 2025

In the Red and Brown Water

By Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Taylor Reynolds
Lighting Design by Ava Malia
CMU School of Drama – November 2025