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If you caught ���Ϲ�Rep’s production of the musical “String” last fall, or its spring staging of “Charlotte’s Web,” you saw examples of Ginny Vrolyk’s glowing artistic vision.

Not that you would have been conscious of it.

As lighting designer for those shows, this ���Ϲ� student made contributions that were substantial, but subtle.

“I’m here to help others look good, you know?” said Ginny, a senior theater major from Northern Virginia. “I don't really want a spotlight too much on myself.”

A self-identified introvert working where extroverts thrive, Ginny found a comfortable, rewarding niche behind the scenes. The role of lighting designer requires creativity and teamwork, not a hunger for applause.

“I, as a person, feel like a supporting character,” Ginny said.

Even so, this student’s character has developed new dimensions over nearly four years at ���Ϲ�. The school’s theater program nurtured both artistic and personal growth.

“I am president of the theater club, The Starving Artists, which is not something I ever imagined myself doing,” Ginny said, smiling. “We're mostly focused on creating fun events for theater and theater-adjacent students to come and hang out, let loose.” Leading a social organization has been a challenge. “It's something, I admit, I did not know how to do at first, and it's something I definitely had to learn.”

The culture in the University’s theater program made it possible to try new things.

“There are a lot of really wonderful people in this community,” Ginny said. “I have met so many friends that I hope to keep after I graduate. I have been really introverted for most of my life — really shy. But in this community, everybody is so loving and supportive.”

Professors and staff in the theater program describe Ginny as a standout student — someone with the potential to emerge as a show business pro.

“Ginny is such a dynamic learner — and driven to tell stories with their lighting,” said Katherine Hammond, director of “Charlotte’s Web” and director of operations for the ���Ϲ�’s Theatre Program. “Their greatest strength as a designer is the willingness to work until the language of the lights tells the story fully.”

When a play is in development, the lighting designer works with the director to decide how scenes will be illuminated. During performances, a lighting operator executes that plan. By the time a play opens, the lighting designer’s work is done.

Woody Robinson mentored the student in the art of theatrical lighting design. “Ginny did an amazing job with the lighting for ‘String,’” said Robinson, director of the University’s theater facilities. “It is a wonderful thing to offer advice and information to a young person who really puts in the work to fulfill their vision.”

After graduation in May, Ginny hopes to launch a theater-related career. Having already done some work as a stagehand for Virginia Opera, an internship at the Wolf Trap performing arts venue in Northern Virginia is a possibility. “Lighting is what I like the most, but if I can work in tech theater in some form, I'm cool with that.”

Growing up, Ginny first encountered theater as part of a co-op improv class for homeschoolers. “That helped me come out of my shell. I remember saying, ‘I think I want to do this.’”

Ginny eventually found that acting wasn’t a comfortable fit. Supporting a production, however, felt right.

At ���Ϲ�, Ginny honed new skills and found new possibilities. As a result, the student now understands the mechanics — and art — of theatrical lighting.

That understanding was on display in ���Ϲ�Rep’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.” Near the play’s climax, scenes needed to strike a delicate balance between sweet and sad, director Hammond said.

Through light and shadow, Ginny helped the performance hit the right emotional chord.

“The timing, the visuals, and the image that we are left with is perfect for that moment,” Hammond said.

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• ���Ϲ�Rep’s production of “Charlotte’s Web” continues through March 7 at ���Ϲ�’s Goode Theatre. Learn more at 
• Top image: Ginny Vrolyk is pictured behind the Goode Theatre’s lighting controls during a technical rehearsal for “Charlotte’s Web.” Photo: Sam McDonald/���Ϲ�