Ryan Gibbs

Ryan Gibbs is an Adjunct Instructor in the Live Experience Design program at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D), where he contributes his extensive professional expertise in live theater and entertainment. He is actively engaged in both education and professional practice, bringing real-world experience into the academic environment.

His research and professional interests center on live experience design, theatrical direction, stage management, and creative project leadership. With over 20 years in the industry, Ryan has worked on major Broadway productions such as Rent, Wicked, Avenue Q, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and School of Rock, and has served as Production Stage Manager, Assistant Director, and Production Supervisor on national and international tours, including Japanese and Austrian productions of Mary Poppins.

Ryan has held leadership roles such as Artistic Director of the Allenberry Playhouse and current Producing Artistic Director of the Totem Pole Playhouse. He also founded Gibbsology, a coaching and consulting firm that supports individuals in personal project management, workplace narrative development, and freelance career growth, leveraging his experience working with high-profile creatives like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Disney Theatrical Group.

His professional engagements reflect a strong trend in experiential storytelling, production leadership, and creative problem-solving across live entertainment, education, and personal development.

• Adjunct Instructor, Live Experience Design, PCA&D
• Producing Artistic Director, Totem Pole Playhouse
• Former Artistic Director, Allenberry Playhouse
• Producer, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (4 years)
• Founder, Gibbsology (coaching & consulting)
• Co-owner, Retrosplat! (nostalgia retail)

Ryan is a graduate of Marywood University and Kennard Dale High School. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with his wife Amy and their two sons, Anderson and Benjamin.