ABOUT ME
I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana in a very theatrical family! Growing up I was very fortunate to have been involved in multiple community theater productions, and study dance at the Fort Wayne Ballet. After graduating high school I studied Musical Theater at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne for a year before moving to New York City. Upon moving to New York I attended drama school at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts. When I was finished with the two year conservatory program, I went on tour for a year with Missoula Children's Theater. Now I'm back in the city and ready to hit the pavement!
HERE'S WHAT'S NEW
COSTUMING ADVENTURES
Ever since graduating from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts I have worked with Origin Theater Company and their CEO George Heslin. I recently had the opportunity of working on their latest Off-Broadway production called "Beautiful Day Without You" directed by Erwin Maas. It was wonderful being able to work alongside Dan Butler again. It really is a small world. I also had the opportunity to work as the costume and wig assistant for the workshop of Douglas Carter Bean's newest musical called "Star Spangles, The New Musical" at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
ON THE SPOT
On The Spot is a wonderful improve cabaret that I have had the privilege of singing with several times over the last couple of years. I have been asked back for a fifth time. Come watch October 14th at the Broadway Comedy Club! Previous videos above.
"THIS IS ME"
This summer I will be working with an all women cast and crew on a new play called "This Is Me". This project will be made up entirely of American Academy of Dramatic Arts alum in which I feel privileged to be a part of. Directed by Yudelka Heyer and written by Barbara Bernardi, come see "This Is Me" at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts August 7th - 10th.
"ONE IN TWO"
After working with Andy Jean at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts I was put forward for a job working with The New Group. I was most flattered to be brought onto their latest project "one in two" written by Donja R. Love. Being Wardrobe Supervisor with Andy Jean's Designs was a welcomed reunion!
"Disney has provided the world with two excellent cinematic versions of Beauty and the Beast. With all due respect to Paige O'Hara and Emma Watson, Bixler is my favorite Belle thus far."
Whatzup
Darby Bixler embodies Violet with a powerful voice and the mixture of emotions that is the core of this girl’s story. She is endearing, tough and funny and seizes our attention immediately with one of the best opening songs in a long time, “On My Way.” Her “All to Pieces” even includes a little almost-yodeling as she specifies her dream face.
Whatzup - Susan Burns
INTO THE WOODS
Before moving to New York, I spent a year studying Musical Theater at Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. While I was there I got to play one of my bucket list roles, Cinderella, under the direction of Craig Humphrey and music direction of Mindy Cox. This project is one of my fondest memories and one of the reasons I moved to New York.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
I got to be a Disney Princess for nine weeks and I loved every minute of it! I wanted her to be strong, a women little girls could look up to. During rehearsals I was lucky enough to work with an amazing Beast who became my great friend. The performance received rave reviews from viewers and was a huge success. It also lead to my first Anthony Award Nomination.
OUR TOWN
While I was studying at IPFW I was fortunate enough to work with Dan Butler and Richard Waterhouse on the production Our Town. It was quite challenging as I was a replacement three weeks before the show went up and then lost my voice opening night. But I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Getting to see so many wonderful people work is one of the reasons I love theater so much.
RESUME
DARBY BIXLER
5’ 3’’ l Strawberry Blonde l Eyes: Blue l Soprano G3 - C6
Off-Broadway
On The Spot Singer Broadway Comedy Club Patrick Reidy
National Tour
Blackbeard the Pirate Jolly Rodger Missoula Children’s Theatre
Aladdin Genie Missoula Children’s Theatre
Theatre
Beauty and the Beast Belle Fort Wayne Civic Theatre John Tolley
Violet Violet Arena Dinner Theatre Jake Wilhelm
Into the Woods Cinderella Indiana Purdue University Craig Humphrey
White Christmas Judy Haynes Fort Wayne Civic Theatre Becky Niccum
Gint Young Woman Indiana Purdue University Jeff Casazza
Our Town Rebecca Indiana Purdue University Dan Butler
Pirates of Penzance Mabel Wagon Wheel Theatre Andy Robinson
Film
One More Thing Liz Eating Glass Studios Orlando Joubert
Television
Norm Lewis: Who Am I? Vocalist Jazz Lincoln Center Richard Jay-Alexander
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (2yr Full Time Conservatory)
Main Stage:
The Factory Girls Rebecca George C. Heslin
Measure for Measure Escalus Sheila Bandyopadhyay
Prior Teachers Include: Janis Powell, Jenn Smolos, Christopher McGovern, Robert Tunstall, Barbara Rubin, Zenon Kruszelnicki, and Victoria Adams
Dance: Fort Wayne Ballet – Karen Gibbins-Brown, Tracy Tritz (Ballet-6, Jazz-5, Tap-5, Musical Theatre-7)
Dialects: American Southern, General American, London, RP, Irish, French (IPA proficient)
Special Skills
Driver’s License, Knitting and Sewing, Roller Blading Basic – Stage Combat, Ballroom, ASL
Music: Sight Reading, Theory, Basic Piano, Voice-Soprano
Awards: Best Leading Actress in a Musical as Violet in Violet, Anthony Award Nominee for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for Beauty and the Beast and White Christmas
COSTUME RESUME
DARBY BIXLER
darbybixler.com I 260.444.9475 (NY Local) I darbyabixler@gmail.com
OFF BROADWAY
one in two Wardrobe Supervisor The New Group 2019
Beautiful Day Without You Buyer/Stitcher Origin Theater Company 2018
The 100 We Are Costume Assistant Origin Theater Company 2016
THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DRAMATIC ARTS
Dresser/ Stitcher/ Builder/ Costume Supervisor: Under Esther Arroyo and Steven Daniel 2014 – 2019
Almost 50 Shows including . . .
Star Spangled Girl Wardrobe Supervisor Dir. Douglas Carter Beane 2019
The Big Time Wardrobe Supervisor Dir. Douglas Carter Beane 2019
Rabbit Hole Dresser/Stitcher Dir. Janis Powell 2016
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE
Out Town Stitcher Jeanne Pendleton 2013
Into the Woods Stitcher Jeanne Pendleton 2013
Related Skills
Intermediate Sewing Skills Wardrobe Experience
Basic Stage Makeup Skills Intermediate Hair Skills
References
Steven Daniel Costume Designer/Shop Manager sdaniel@aada.edu