Theatre Production Alumnus Joshua Challen Ice Designs New Art Installation in Downtown Pittsburgh's Mellon Square Alumni Profile
Meet Joshua Challen Ice '17
- Job Title & Employer
- Independent Artist and Art Fabricator
- Major/Program
- Theatre Production (design)
- Hometown
- Murrysville, Pa.
- High School
- Franklin Regional High School
- Now Living In
- Pittsburgh, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Woodworking and playing music
"The B.F.A. in theatre production program is unique in how it blends creativity, hands-on experience and professional preparation. It offers students the chance to work on real productions, develop practical skills and build a network of industry connections."
Highlight your career path since you graduated with a B.F.A. in theatre production (design) from Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Since graduating, I’ve focused on creating installation art that evolved from the skills I acquired at Point Park. I've worked with more than 70 artists as an exhibitions manager at Mattress Factory, a contemporary art museum in Pittsburgh. Our team brought the artists' ideas to life through exhibition design, fabrication and installation. While working at the museum, I maintained an independent art practice in Squirrel Hill and have been making sculptures and furniture for other artists and galleries, in addition to exhibiting my work.
You have a new light installation featured in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Mellon Square. Tell us about that.
The installation, "Aurora: Illuminating the Holiday Magic of Mellon Square," is an interactive light sculpture inspired by the interplay of modernist design and public space. It features undulating structures with color-changing tiles that respond to viewer interaction and the breeze. The argyle pattern references the terrazzo ground covering of Mellon Square, paying homage to its mid-century design while reimagining it as a living, illuminated form. This piece celebrates light as a unifying element, particularly during the holiday season, without being tied to a specific theme. The project also emphasizes the importance of public art as a means of creating connection and joy in shared spaces.
What does having your work featured in Downtown Pittsburgh during the holiday season mean to you?
Having Aurora featured in Downtown Pittsburgh is an incredible honor. Mellon Square is a historic and beloved space, and to contribute to its legacy by adding a contemporary, interactive element feels deeply meaningful. It’s an opportunity to engage with the community in a festive, yet timeless, way, encouraging play, reflection and togetherness in the heart of the city.
How did your college experience and training prepare you for the industry?
Point Park’s B.F.A. in theatre production program gave me a solid foundation in design principles, problem-solving and working collaboratively under tight deadlines — skills that are critical in both theatre and public art. The program taught me how to balance creativity with technical precision, how to communicate effectively with teams and how to troubleshoot in high-pressure situations. These experiences translated seamlessly into my current practice of creating large-scale, intricate public artworks and working with all stakeholders to get the best product.
Why would you recommend Point Park’s B.F.A. in theatre production program?
The B.F.A. in theatre production program is unique in how it blends creativity, hands-on experience and professional preparation. It offers students the chance to work on real productions, develop practical skills and build a network of industry connections. The faculty are knowledgeable and dedicated, and the program's location in Downtown Pittsburgh provides access to a thriving arts community that I tapped into as a student.
What advice do you have for a prospective student?
Be open to learning every aspect of production, even those outside of your comfort zone. The more skills you develop, the more versatile and valuable you’ll be in the industry. Also, take the time to explore how your interests in theatre might connect to other fields like architecture, design or public art. The skills you gain in this program can open doors to many creative paths.
Photos provided by John Altdorfer and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
More About: design, Franklin Regional High School, Downtown Pittsburgh, Conservatory Alumni, Conservatory of Performing Arts, success story, theatre production, Theatre Alumni