By Alexandra Napoli
Contributing Writer
Think of everything you have ever dreamed. What if everything you wanted to be came true? You walk across a red carpet and camera flashes are all you see.
Ray Klausen knows exactly how it feels to do this, as he has achieved his biggest dreams.
Klausen has designed sets for Broadway shows and television specials. He has even worked with stars like Cher, Elton John, Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor.
SBU students will have a chance to walk across the red carpet and learn about the tools needed to take on big dreams Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The three-time Emmy Award-winning Hollywood set designer will visit campus and speak to students about building a successful career.
Ludwig Brunner, interim executive director of the Quick Center, decided to bring Klausen to campus while keeping the school’s message in mind.
“I thought to myself, ‘what can the Quick Center contribute to St. Bonaventure becoming extraordinary?’” Brunner said. “(Klausen is) an expert in his field, so him giving advice to college students seemed to be an excellent idea.”
Sean Conklin, assistant curator at the Quick Center, said students of all majors are encouraged to attend Klausen’s speech.
“(Klausen) tends to focus his discussion in the direction of what made him successful, making connections and showing them he was good enough,” Conklin said. “Anyone can relate and apply themselves to that.”
The event will begin with a red carpet gathering with cameras and paparazzi to give the program a Hollywood vibe. The red carpet will lead attendees into the Quick Center auditorium. Following Klausen’s speech, a reception will be held in the lobby of the Quick Center.
In addition to sharing insight gained from his experiences as a set designer, Klausen has provided the Quick Center with an array of sets he has created over the years.
The exhibit will be on display from Sept. 27 to Nov. 18. Museum-goers will also be able to see sculptures created by Klausen and one of his Emmy Awards.
Klausen has spoken to colleges across the country to give students wisdom about making it in the business. Conklin said Klausen looks forward to sharing his stories about his artwork and working with Hollywood stars with the SBU community.
“Klausen is such an inspirational person,” Conklin said. “He was just like the rest of us. He went to college, met the right people and had to work his way up. A lot of the time, people just need that push to step outside their comfort zone. I truly believe that both Klausen’s speech and artwork will help people understand that.”
