Richard Davis, Artistic Director
Richard Davis is a Theatre Producer, Director, Choreographer, and Costume Designer with a long and distinguished career. His 46-year association with the Erie Playhouse began in 1979 when he appeared as an Emerald Citizen in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Richard’s expertise extends to costume design, honed through his studies at Bauder Fashion College and his work for Norcostco Atlanta Costume and Costume World. In 1989, he joined the Erie Playhouse staff as its resident costume designer, a position he held until 2006. He then became Producing Director and, in 2022, assumed his current role as Artistic Director for the Playhouse.
During his tenure at the Playhouse, Richard has directed or choreographed an impressive 160 productions and designed the costumes for over 300. Some of his favorite productions include “Mary Poppins,” “Sunday in The Park With George,” “Tarzan,” “Sweeney Todd,” Disney’s “Beauty And The Beast,” “Chess,” and “Children Of Eden.”
Beyond the Playhouse, Richard has also directed productions for The Roadhouse Theatre, Directors Circle, PACA, and various local high schools. In 2012, he co-wrote and produced “The Spirit Of Erie,” The Perry 200th Commemoration Pageant, marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
