We were lucky to catch up with Isaiah Silvia-Chandley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Isaiah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

August 2021, I made my professional choreographic debut with Paramount Theatre’s production of Kinky Boots. We were originally scheduled to begin our process in March 2020… we all know how that turned out. When we began rehearsals for Kinky Boots in July 2021, we were the first theatre in the Chicagoland area to open a musical after the industry shutdown. It was both an exciting and somewhat daunting opportunity, however, what better show to return to live theatre with other than Kinky Boots. Having the opportunity to choreograph this show was a memorable moment where I was able to see the direct impact of theatre. During previews, as myself and the rest of the choreography team would sit in the house, it was so informative to sit amongst the audience and see how they would react to the material, specifically, how they would react to a queer story. For our third preview, I was sitting behind an older couple in the orchestra. During “Land of Lola” we are introduced to Lola and her six Angels. Lola raised from the floor at the top of the number and the Angels were choreographed to enter through a red mylar curtain on their vocal entrance. This reveal usually garnered applause. As the number continued, the husband of the couple in front of me turned to his wife and loudly whispered in earnest, “Are those boys?” The wife responded, “I dont know.” Fast forward to intermission, the husband whips out his program to try and figure out the gender of the Angels. He says, “Wow, they all appear boys, I thought some of them were girls.” The wife responds, “I did too… I guess it really doesn’t matter.” The husband follows up, “Yeah, I guess not. They’re quite the talented bunch.” To witness this dialogue between an older Midwestern couple, as they were able to understand the suspension of gender and its importance to storytelling was a moment I’ll never forget. It was the first time, as a choreographer, I had ever seen the direct impact of my work. As a queer artist, I felt like I had accomplished something for our queer community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Originally from Amherst, New Hampshire, I grew up participating in musical theatre, dance classes, ice hockey and football. After graduating high school, I attended The Young Americans College of Performing Arts, an organization committed to global performance outreach, touring Europe, Japan and the United States performing and teaching song and dance. In 2015 I moved to Chicago to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College Chicago, which I was able to obtain in three years, graduating with the class of 2018. In addition to CCC, I trained extensively at The School at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Chet Walker and Broadway Dance Center, with an emphasis in Musical Theatre Dance. After graduation I was able to perform at theatre’s such as The Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre and Porchlight Music Theatre. When the pandemic hit, it provided me time to reflect on what I am truly passionate about, Choreography. Over the past two years I shifted my focus from performance to choreography and have been able to choreograph for theaters such as Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre and The Little Theatre on the Square. I also am on faculty at Chicago’s premier dance facility, Visceral Dance Center.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creation. Throughout the pandemic, a time when there was no live-performance, I piloted several dance films as a choreographer and director. I did this because I was itching to tell stories, and had a suspicion that so many incredible artists I knew were feeling the same way. Following appropriate Covid-19 protocols, I was able to host multiple creative rooms in which Chicago artists had a space to create, explore and express themselves. This fueled my spirit in what was a very dark and unfamiliar time. Working with predominantly live-theatre dancers, we explored the marriage of film and dance, a medium of art that the majority of us were unfamiliar with. We encountered certain obstacles and as a community we were able to navigate through them, figuring out how best to tell a story through the lens of a camera. I continued producing these dance films because I enjoyed the process of creation and collaboration. However, I was taken back by the overwhelmingly positive response we received. Many people, in and outside of the Chicago theatre community, commented on how positively the videos made them feel. It warmed my heart to hear how much of an impact my art and our community had on others. I started these dance film projects to enjoy the process of collaboration with my community. Creating a successful product was the cherry on top.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My “end-goal” is to be a broadway choreographer. I used to be afraid to say that out-loud, as if it was some unobtainable dream of mine. However, over the past few years, I’ve gained enough confidence and trust in myself that I will turn this dream of mine into my reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.isaiahsilviachandley.com
• Instagram: @itszayzay_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@isaiahsilvia-chandley6761

Image Credits
First Photo (in the green beanie): Shot by Austin Crowley All other photos shot by Chollette ***Also if there is a shot that you like most out of the 6 in total to use at the “main photo” feel free,